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- Tasks: Cover local councils, hold power to account, and report on community issues.
- Company: Join Newsquest, a dynamic news organisation with a focus on local democracy.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, pension plan, mental health support, and flexible perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community through powerful journalism.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification or equivalent, strong writing skills, and a driving licence.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career progression and ongoing training.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about democracy and driven to make a real impact through your reporting? We are looking for a local democracy reporter to cover Blackburn with Darwen Council, Burnley Council and Hyndburn Borough Council, holding those in power to account and standing up for the interests of our communities. This role will see you scrutinising the work of councils and public bodies in the area, ensuring decisions that affect residents’ daily lives are clearly explained and robustly challenged.
As well as attending meetings and working through agendas for stories, you will be expected to go beyond the paperwork to uncover issues that matter to readers. This is a role for a reporter who wants to make a difference — someone with the confidence to challenge authority, champion community concerns and deliver impactful public interest journalism. It should be noted that Lancashire is going through a major local government reorganisation, which will not only be a news item to cover, but also shape the nature of your reporting duties.
You will be expected to attend council and public meetings both in person and to spend time out on the patch talking to residents, campaigners and decision-makers. An ability to travel independently across the borough is therefore essential. The Local Democracy Reporter Scheme is funded by the BBC, but you will be employed by Newsquest and will work closely with our local news teams. You will be based at the office of the Lancashire Telegraph in Blackburn. Your copy will be shared on the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service wire and published by a range of outlets, including the BBC.
This role is suitable for a qualified senior reporter or a trainee who has achieved (or is about to achieve) their NCTJ Gold Standard Diploma, including 100wpm shorthand.
Key Responsibilities- Illuminate local government: Attend and report on council meetings, decisions and policies across East Lancashire, bringing clarity and context to complex local issues.
- Investigative excellence: Identify and pursue strong local democracy stories, providing insightful and thorough reporting that informs the public.
- Community engagement: Build trusted relationships with councillors, MPs, officers, community leaders and residents.
- Champion fair reporting: Produce accurate, balanced and legally sound journalism to the highest professional standards.
- Collaborative spirit: Work closely with editors and reporters to deliver impactful and comprehensive coverage.
- Digital savvy: Use digital tools and social media to broaden reach, engage audiences and promote your journalism.
- Journalistic passion: Proven experience in journalism, with a strong understanding of local government and political processes.
- Exceptional skills: Excellent writing, research and communication abilities.
- Independent drive: Ability to work autonomously, manage a busy diary and meet tight deadlines.
- Digital proficiency: Confidence working across digital platforms and social media.
- NCTJ qualification (or equivalent), including 100wpm shorthand, is required.
- A full driving licence and access to a car are required.
25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off. Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility. Structured career progression & ongoing training. Pension plan & mental health support. Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses), Retail discounts. Team building days & annual volunteer charity day.
Local Democracy Reporter in Blackburn employer: Newsquest
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Before you even step into an interview, do your homework on Blackburn and its councils. Familiarise yourself with recent decisions, community issues, and key players. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you speak confidently about how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local council meetings or community events to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. Building relationships with councillors and residents can give you insider knowledge and show that you're genuinely invested in the community's concerns.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your digital skills! In today’s journalism world, being savvy with social media and digital tools is a must. Prepare examples of how you've used these platforms to engage audiences or promote your work. It’ll demonstrate that you’re ready to adapt and thrive in a modern newsroom.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your passion for democracy and reporting shine through. Make sure to highlight your investigative skills and community engagement experience in your application. Let’s get you on board to make a real impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Democracy Reporter in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Democracy: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for democracy shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to holding power accountable and championing community concerns.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Local Democracy Reporter role. Highlight your understanding of local government processes and how your skills align with the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively, as this mirrors the clarity we expect in journalism. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to showcase your interest in joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your Local Issues
Before the interview, dive deep into the local issues affecting Blackburn, Burnley, and Hyndburn. Familiarise yourself with recent council decisions and community concerns. This will not only show your passion for local democracy but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Investigative Skills
Prepare examples of your past reporting that demonstrate your investigative prowess. Be ready to discuss how you've uncovered stories that matter to the community. This will highlight your ability to challenge authority and deliver impactful journalism, which is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways you've built relationships with community members or local leaders in your previous roles. Share these experiences during the interview to illustrate your commitment to community engagement and how you plan to continue this in your new position.
✨Be Digital Savvy
Since the role requires digital proficiency, come prepared to discuss how you've used social media and digital tools to enhance your reporting. Highlight any successful campaigns or stories you've shared online, as this will demonstrate your ability to broaden reach and engage audiences effectively.
