At a Glance
- Tasks: Report breaking news across London, using AI tools and social media for fast updates.
- Company: Join Newsquest London, a dynamic newsroom at the forefront of digital journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and structured career progression.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing training and perks like gym memberships and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team shaping the future of news in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification or equivalent, strong news sense, and excellent writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Newsquest London is looking for an ambitious and driven breaking news reporter to help lead our live news coverage across the capital. This is a fast-paced digital role at the heart of our newsroom, responding to major incidents such as crime, transport disruption and developing stories as they happen.
The successful candidate will combine strong traditional news judgement with a confident, responsible use of AI tools to improve speed, accuracy and efficiency – while always maintaining the highest standards of journalism. They will be excellent at using social media to find pictures and video of live incidents, as well as getting quotes and taking their own video from the scene, including being in front of the camera on Facebook Live.
What we offer:
- A frontline role in a busy, digital newsroom
- Opportunities to develop both journalistic and technical skills, including AI-assisted reporting
- A supportive, ambitious team environment
- Hybrid working with regular time in our central London office
- The chance to help shape the future of digital and breaking news journalism at Newsquest
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify, report and publish breaking news stories across London quickly, accurately and responsibly
- React to live incidents and ongoing developing stories, providing rolling updates as situations evolve
- Use AI tools to speed up background research and writing copy and headlines, all with strong editorial oversight
- Source stories through social media, emergency services updates, contacts on the ground and verified tip-offs
- Attend incidents in person, including door-knocking and scene reporting to get quotes from witnesses
- Shoot video of live incidents to be used in coverage, including presenting videos to camera
- Write clear, compelling and legally sound copy at speed for digital audiences
- Use analytics and audience data to inform story framing, headlines and follow-up coverage
- Publish content efficiently across our CMS, social platforms and newsletters
- Work closely with editors, fellow reporters and newsroom teams to maximise reach and impact
- Take part in a rota covering early starts, late finishes and weekends
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
Essential:
- Strong news sense and the ability to spot and prioritise breaking stories
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent
- Ability to work calmly and accurately under intense time pressure
- Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
- A nous for using social media to find stories and verify content
- Confidence shooting and presenting video to camera
- Solid understanding of UK media law and the Editors’ Code of Practice
- Willingness to work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
- Openness to using AI tools as part of a modern newsroom workflow
Desirable:
- Experience in a digital or breaking news environment
- Knowledge of SEO and Google Trends
- Familiarity with analytics platforms and audience metrics
- Experience live-blogging or running rolling news articles
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
Breaking News Reporter - North London employer: Newsquest
Newsquest London is an exceptional employer for aspiring journalists, offering a dynamic and supportive environment in the heart of London. With a focus on both journalistic integrity and innovative AI tools, employees benefit from structured career progression, ongoing training, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. The company fosters a collaborative culture where team members can thrive while shaping the future of digital news coverage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Breaking News Reporter - North London
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Newsquest!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Newsquest, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Breaking News Reporter - North London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Newsquest:When applying for the Breaking News Reporter - North London role at Newsquest, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Newsquest produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Newsquest. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
