At a Glance
- Tasks: Cover breaking news and create engaging digital stories for local communities.
- Company: Join The Bolton News, a vibrant newsroom with a passion for storytelling.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, career progression, and perks like gym memberships and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities to collaborate across regional titles.
- Why this job: Kickstart your journalism career while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualified or aspiring reporters with a flair for digital storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
The Bolton News is looking for a top-class reporter who is passionate about digital storytelling, hard-working, full of ideas and innovative when it comes to presenting stories across various platforms. We seek an ambitious, digitally skilled, versatile journalist to cover breaking news and write stories from this incredibly lively patch. This role will suit someone looking for their first job in the newsroom or a reporter with some experience looking to move onto a busy daily title. The right candidates will also be able to report for other titles in the region, including the Lancashire Telegraph and the Bury Times.
Key Responsibilities
- A major part of the job will be immersing yourself in social media, developing relationships and understanding what matters to the local community.
- You’ll also be open-minded and willing to utilise AI in the role.
- We want to tell the stories our audiences care about - from covering crime and local politics to sharing powerful human interest pieces and championing the causes our readers are passionate about.
- The job will primarily be based at our friendly regional newsroom in Bolton, but you will be required to get out on patch, and we are flexible about home working.
Ideally, you will be a fully qualified reporter with gold-standard NCTJ with 100wpm.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Brimming with ideas on how to tackle the remit and get the most out of it digitally.
- Fully across what digital readers want from local news coverage.
- Excellent at developing relationships with key contacts to improve coverage.
- Driven to succeed using the digital analytics tools at your disposal.
- A self-starter, brilliant with time management.
- Passionate about social media.
- Have an excellent knowledge of relevant media law.
- Have a versatile, fresh, and energetic writing style with exceptional attention to detail.
- The ability to write – and think – quickly under pressure.
- An adaptable style to produce everything from live blogs and listicles to long reads.
- Knowledge of SEO and its importance to digital journalism.
- Have collaborative skills to pool ideas with the wider digital reporting team and take on board suggestions.
A driving licence is preferred, as is access to a car. We work on a rota basis with some early and late shifts as well as some weekend work.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off.
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility.
- Structured career progression & ongoing training.
- Pension plan.
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice.
- Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care, Retail discounts.
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day.
Trainee Reporter: Digital Local News & AI Stories in Bolton employer: Newsquest
The Bolton News is an excellent employer for aspiring journalists, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in digital storytelling. With structured career progression, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment, employees can thrive while making meaningful contributions to the local community. Located in Bolton, the newsroom provides flexibility with home working options and a range of employee benefits, including generous holiday allowances and wellness perks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter: Digital Local News & AI Stories in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Get your social media game on point! Start engaging with local news stories and communities online. This not only shows your passion but also helps you build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just wait for job openings; create your own opportunities! Pitch story ideas to local publications or start a blog showcasing your writing skills. This proactive approach can really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend local events, workshops, or journalism meet-ups. Meeting people in the industry can open doors and give you insights into what employers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role you love, apply through our website! Tailor your application to highlight your digital storytelling skills and how you can bring fresh ideas to the newsroom. We’re excited to see what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter: Digital Local News & AI Stories in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Digital Storytelling:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for digital storytelling shine through. Share examples of how you've engaged with local news or used innovative methods to present stories. We want to see your creativity and passion!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your knowledge of social media, AI, and digital analytics tools. This shows us you’re serious about the role and understand what we’re looking for.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. Remember, your writing style is part of your application, so make it engaging and easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your Local Stories
Before the interview, dive into the latest news from Bolton and surrounding areas. Familiarise yourself with key local issues and stories that resonate with the community. This will show your passion for local journalism and help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the patch.
✨Show Off Your Digital Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage digital platforms and social media in your reporting. Bring examples of your work that highlight your ability to engage audiences online. Whether it's a blog post or a social media campaign, showcasing your digital storytelling skills is crucial.
✨Embrace AI and Innovation
Since the role involves utilising AI, come equipped with ideas on how you can incorporate technology into your reporting. Discuss any tools or software you've used in the past and how they can enhance storytelling. This shows you're forward-thinking and ready to adapt to the evolving landscape of journalism.
✨Practice Your Writing Under Pressure
Given the fast-paced nature of news reporting, practice writing quickly and effectively. You might be asked to complete a writing task during the interview, so hone your skills in producing clear, engaging content under time constraints. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and deliver quality work.
