At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital news coverage and engage audiences across west Wales.
- Company: Join the trusted voice of Pembrokeshire at Western Telegraph.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible options, and great perks.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape impactful stories and grow your career in a vibrant newsroom.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital journalism and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Western Telegraph, the trusted voice of Pembrokeshire, is looking for a driven Digital Editor to lead our online coverage and grow our audiences across west Wales. The role also includes digital oversight and editing support for several smaller sister titles in the region, helping to deliver consistent, high‑quality coverage across our portfolio of weekly titles, the Tivyside Advertiser, South Wales Guardian, Barry and District News and Penarth Times.
This is a key role at the heart of our Haverfordwest newsroom, shaping how we report the stories that matter to our communities – from hard‑hitting local news and courts to breaking incidents, council decisions and strong human‑interest stories. You may be an experienced senior reporter or newsdesk regular ready to step up, or a proven newsroom leader looking for a fresh challenge in one of Wales’ most vibrant local patches. Either way, you will bring ideas, energy and a clear sense of what makes compelling digital journalism. This role requires occasional weekend work and is based at our Haverfordwest office, with the option for hybrid working up for discussion. We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so early applications are encouraged.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the digital output day‑to‑day, leading the daily conference and presenting the news list to the regional editor
- Drive live and breaking coverage, ensuring we are fast, accurate and authoritative on major stories
- Editing and writing stories and ensuring high editorial standards
- Use data to inform decisions, spotting what works, what doesn’t and where the next opportunity lies
- Oversee content across our website, app and social channels and newsletters
- Support, coach and motivate reporters, helping them develop digital skills
- Build relationships with key contacts, organisations and readers, representing the brand in the community and online
- A strong track record in local or regional journalism, with experience in a digital‑first newsroom
- Sharp news judgement and a clear understanding of what engages audiences in a competitive digital landscape
- Confidence in using analytics tools to guide content planning and improve performance
- Excellent writing, editing and headline‑writing skills, with a keen eye for accuracy and legal safety
- Experience of, or clear potential for, leading a team – from setting expectations and giving feedback to supporting colleagues in busy breaking news moments
- Familiarity with content management systems and social media platforms
- An NCTJ qualification or equivalent, with media law knowledge
- 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
Digital News Editor – Western Telegraph employer: Newsquest
The Western Telegraph is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Haverfordwest, where you can make a real impact on local journalism. With a commitment to employee growth through structured career progression and ongoing training, alongside generous benefits like 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and your birthday off, this role provides a fulfilling opportunity for those passionate about digital news. Join a supportive team that values creativity and community engagement, making it an ideal place for driven individuals looking to thrive in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital News Editor – Western Telegraph
✨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 Digital News Editor – Western Telegraph
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 Digital News Editor – Western Telegraph 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.
