Trainee Reporter - Bournemouth

Trainee Reporter – Bournemouth

Application Deadline: 25 March 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Bournemouth

Reporting To: James Johnson

Description

We’re looking for a dynamic reporter to join the Bournemouth Echo and help lead our coverage in one of the busiest news patches on the South Coast. If you’re digitally savvy, thrive in a fast-paced environment and love being out in the community, uncovering the stories that matter, this role puts you at the heart of local life.

You’ll cover everything from breaking news and crime to human‑interest features, local events and lifestyle. You’ll have a passion for digital storytelling, an eye for what engages readers, and the confidence to use video, social media, and data to bring stories to life.

Social media will be a natural extension of your newsgathering, helping you spot trends, spark conversations and build relationships across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce accurate, engaging digital news stories, live blogs and features to deadline.
• Use video, audio, infographics, maps and other digital tools to tell compelling stories.
• Create and publish engaging social media content that drives reach and conversation.
• Build contacts, monitor trends and identify strong story leads through social platforms.
• Deliver accurate breaking news coverage and keep audiences informed in real time.
• Develop new story ideas and creative digital treatments that grow audience engagement.
• Build social media followings and increase digital audience numbers across your patch.
• Spot national or regional stories with local relevance and tailor them for your readers.
• Track court activity and work with court reporters to deliver strong online coverage.
• Develop contributions from colleagues and community voices for digital relevance.
• Use SEO techniques to maximise visibility and follow emerging trends.
• Use audience analytics (with guidance) to shape future coverage.
• Build strong relationships across the community and spend time on patch.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the UK, sharing ideas and best practice.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong digital reporting skills with experience writing accurate news, live blogs and features.
• Ability to work quickly, creatively, and under tight deadlines.
• Confident using video, audio, infographics and mapping tools.
• Strong understanding of social media for newsgathering and audience engagement.
• Knowledge of SEO and how to optimise stories for search.
• Ability to interpret analytics and understand reader behaviour.
• Skilled at building community contacts and identifying story leads.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• NCTJ qualification (including 100wpm shorthand) or equivalent.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Willingness to work shifts and weekends.

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