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- Tasks: Cover local councils, report on decisions, and engage with communities across Hampshire.
- Company: Join Newsquest, a dynamic news organisation funded by the BBC.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, career progression, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community through powerful journalism.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification and strong writing skills required.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with team-building activities and volunteer opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about democracy and driven to make a real impact through your reporting? We are looking for a local democracy reporter to cover councils across Hampshire, holding those in power to account and standing up for the interests of our communities. This role will see you scrutinising the work of councils and public bodies across the county, ensuring decisions that affect residents’ daily lives are clearly explained and robustly challenged.
As well as attending meetings and working through agendas for stories, you will be expected to go beyond the paperwork to uncover issues that matter to readers. This is a role for a reporter who wants to make a difference — someone with the confidence to challenge authority, champion community concerns and deliver impactful public interest journalism. The councils covered will primarily be borough and district authorities, although the county is going through a major local government reorganisation that will not only be a news item to cover but also shape the nature of your reporting duties.
You will be expected to attend council and public meetings both in person and to spend time out on the patch talking to residents, campaigners and decision-makers. An ability to travel independently across Hampshire is therefore essential. The Local Democracy Reporter Scheme is funded by the BBC, but you will be employed by Newsquest and will work closely with our local news teams. You will be based at the offices of the Southern Daily Echo, while reporting across Hampshire. Your copy will be shared on the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service wire and published by a range of outlets, including the BBC.
This role is suitable for a qualified senior reporter or a trainee who has achieved (or is about to achieve) their NCTJ Gold Standard Diploma, including 100wpm shorthand.
Key Responsibilities- Illuminate local government: Attend and report on council meetings, decisions and policies across Hampshire, bringing clarity and context to complex local issues.
- Investigative excellence: Identify and pursue strong local democracy stories, providing insightful and thorough reporting that informs the public.
- Community engagement: Build trusted relationships with councillors, MPs, officers, community leaders and residents.
- Champion fair reporting: Produce accurate, balanced and legally sound journalism to the highest professional standards.
- Collaborative spirit: Work closely with editors and reporters to deliver impactful and comprehensive coverage.
- Digital savvy: Use digital tools and social media to broaden reach, engage audiences and promote your journalism.
- Journalistic passion: Proven experience in journalism, with a strong understanding of local government and political processes.
- Exceptional skills: Excellent writing, research and communication abilities.
- Independent drive: Ability to work autonomously, manage a busy diary and meet tight deadlines.
- Digital proficiency: Confidence working across digital platforms and social media.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression & ongoing training
- Pension plan & mental health support
- Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses), Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day
Local Democracy Reporter in Southampton employer: Newsquest
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Before you even step into an interview, do your homework on the councils and communities you'll be reporting on. This will not only help you stand out but also show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events, council meetings, and community gatherings. Building relationships with councillors, residents, and other journalists can open doors and give you insider knowledge that’s invaluable for your reporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your digital skills! Use social media to share your insights and engage with the community. This not only boosts your visibility but also demonstrates your ability to connect with audiences in today’s digital age.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your passion for local democracy reporting shine through. Make sure to highlight your investigative skills and community engagement experience in your application to catch our eye.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Democracy Reporter in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Democracy: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for local democracy in your application. We want to see how driven you are to make a real impact through your reporting, so share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to holding those in power accountable.
Tailor Your Writing Samples: When submitting your writing samples, choose pieces that reflect your understanding of local government and political processes. We love seeing how you can bring clarity to complex issues, so pick examples that demonstrate your investigative skills and ability to engage with the community.
Be Clear and Concise: In your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of the matter. Remember, you're applying for a role where clarity in communication is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your Local Issues
Before the interview, dive deep into local government issues in Hampshire. Familiarise yourself with recent council decisions and community concerns. This will not only show your passion for democracy but also demonstrate your commitment to reporting on matters that affect residents.
✨Showcase Your Investigative Skills
Prepare examples of past investigative work or stories you've covered that highlight your ability to dig deeper. Be ready to discuss how you approached these stories and the impact they had on the community. This will illustrate your potential as a local democracy reporter.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Treat the interview like a conversation. Ask insightful questions about the role, the team, and the challenges they face. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your communication skills!
✨Demonstrate Digital Savvy
Be prepared to discuss how you use digital tools and social media in your reporting. Share specific examples of how you've engaged audiences online or used digital platforms to enhance your stories. This is crucial for a role that requires reaching out to the community effectively.
