At a Glance
- Tasks: Report on local democracy, uncovering stories that matter to communities in County Durham and Darlington.
- Company: Join The Northern Echo, a leading regional news brand with a focus on impactful journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, structured career progression, and perks like gym memberships and retail discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic newsroom environment with opportunities for ongoing training and team-building activities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of local politics and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualified reporter with strong contacts and a passion for local issues.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Join one of the UK’s biggest regional news brands as our Local Democracy Reporter for County Durham and Darlington – at one of the most exciting moments in local politics. The Northern Echo is looking for an exceptional senior journalist who can live and breathe the political landscape across County Durham and can spot the real story lurking behind every council agenda and committee report, not just who said what in the council chamber, but what it means on the streets of Durham, Darlington, and the communities in between.
Key Responsibilities
- This is a patch at the heart of the national conversation: the North East’s evolving devolution settlements, a shifting local government political map, and the Darlington Economic Campus - firmly branded “Number 11 North” - putting Treasury decision‑making, civil service jobs and economic policy on our doorstep.
- You’ll dig into decisions on budgets, planning, transport, housing and social care, and turn complex policy into sharp, human‑focused stories that matter to local people.
- You’ll shine a light on how taxpayer money is spent, who really benefits, and what it means for residents’ day‑to‑day lives.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- This is a role for a proven reporter with strong contacts, sharp instincts and the confidence to challenge those in power.
- You’ll be as comfortable with live updates and video from a heated council meeting and filing for online within minutes as you are crafting in‑depth explainers and exclusives.
- Working as part of the BBC‑funded Local Democracy Reporting Service and The Northern Echo’s newsroom, you’ll help set the agenda on local government coverage across County Durham and Darlington, providing original, impartial journalism that informs, engages and stands up for our communities.
- You will be NCTJ qualified, with shorthand and must be able to drive.
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
Local Democracy Reporter employer: Newsquest
Newsquest is an excellent employer for aspiring journalists, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and community engagement. With a commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities within one of the UK's largest local news publishers, alongside attractive benefits such as 25 days of holiday and various employee discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter
✨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 Local Democracy Reporter
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 Local Democracy Reporter 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.
