At a Glance
- Tasks: Break news and react to live incidents in a fast-paced digital newsroom.
- Company: Join one of the UK's biggest and busiest news organisations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, your birthday off, and structured career progression.
- Other info: Use AI tools to enhance reporting while maintaining editorial control.
- Why this job: Make an impact with high-quality journalism that resonates with local communities.
- Qualifications: NCTJ diploma or equivalent and significant experience as a digital reporter.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Stourbridge
Reporting To: Alicia Kelly
News doesn’t wait, and neither will you. We’re looking for an ambitious and driven senior reporter who’s ready to react – with a hunger for breaking stories. When something happens, you want to be first and fast. 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. You’ll be a proven reporter with pace, authority and a bulging contacts book, who knows how the West Midlands works and where stories really come from. This is one of the UK’s biggest, busiest and most competitive news patches, and we need someone highly motivated with a desire to turn information into high-impact journalism that audiences want to read.
This role combines hard‑nosed reporting with smart use of AI tools. You’ll use AI to move fast and scale output – but your judgement will remain the driving force. We want someone who understands how to use technology to enhance – not replace – their news sense. You’ll be expected to analyse what works and what doesn’t for our audiences and adapt in real time. Above all, you’ll be trusted to deliver accurate, legally sound, cutting‑edge journalism that reflects the West Midlands in all its complexity and speaks directly to its communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Break the news across the West Midlands using strong contacts, initiative and relentless newsgathering
- React to live incidents and ongoing developing stories, providing rolling updates as situations evolve
- Generate a constant flow of news ideas, exclusives and forward‑looking content plans
- Use AI tools to enhance reporting, drafting and workflows — without compromising editorial control or quality
- Source stories through social media, emergency services updates, contacts on the ground and verified tip-offs
- Deliver clean, compelling copy under pressure
- Ensure all content meets the highest standards of accuracy, media law, privacy and ethics
- Take part in a rota covering early starts, late finishes and weekends
- Shape coverage deliberately using audience data, performance insight and editorial judgement
- Identify new story formats and growth opportunities that resonate with our readers
- Work closely with a digital ACE to ensure our content is top‑notch
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- NCTJ diploma or equivalent
- Significant experience as a digital reporter, ideally on a major regional or city patch
- Sharp news judgement and the ability to spot stories others miss
- Excellent digital writing and editing skills, with headlines that cut through
- Deep knowledge of UK media law and the Editors’ Code of Conduct
- Energy, resilience and authority in a fast‑paced, competitive newsroom
- Confidence using data and analytics to drive editorial decisions
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression
Senior Reporter - West Midlands employer: Newsquest
Join a dynamic newsroom in Stourbridge, where your passion for breaking news meets a supportive work culture that values innovation and accuracy. With 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a birthday off, and a structured career progression plan, we empower our senior reporters to thrive in a fast-paced environment while utilising cutting-edge AI tools to enhance their storytelling. Here, you’ll not only report on the vibrant stories of the West Midlands but also grow your career in one of the UK's most competitive media landscapes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Reporter - West Midlands
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other journalists, editors, and industry professionals. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay sharp and informed! Keep up with the latest news trends and tech tools, especially AI, to enhance your reporting skills. Show potential employers that you’re not just a reporter but a forward-thinking journalist ready to adapt to the fast-paced digital landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Work on your writing and editing skills by creating a portfolio of your best work. Make sure it showcases your ability to deliver clean, compelling copy under pressure. A strong portfolio can set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see how you navigate the process. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Reporter - West Midlands
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for News:When you’re writing your application, let your enthusiasm for journalism shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely excited about breaking stories and making an impact in the West Midlands.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with fast-paced reporting and your ability to use AI tools effectively. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Demonstrate Your News Judgement:In your application, give examples of how you’ve identified and pursued stories that others might have missed. Show us your sharp news judgement and how you’ve used it to deliver compelling content under pressure.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your Patch
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the West Midlands. Familiarise yourself with recent news stories, local issues, and key players in the area. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just a reporter, but someone who understands the community and its dynamics.
✨Showcase Your Contacts
Bring along a list of your contacts and how they’ve helped you break stories in the past. Highlighting your network demonstrates your ability to gather information quickly and effectively, which is crucial for a senior reporter role.
✨Demonstrate Your Digital Savvy
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used AI tools or digital platforms in your reporting. Share specific examples of how technology has enhanced your work without compromising quality. This will illustrate your adaptability in a fast-paced digital environment.
✨Prepare for Pressure
Expect questions about how you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations. Have a few anecdotes ready that showcase your resilience and ability to deliver clean, compelling copy under pressure. This will reassure them that you can thrive in their competitive newsroom.
