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- Tasks: Break news fast and react to live incidents in the West Midlands.
- Company: Join a leading newsroom with a dynamic and competitive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, career progression, and great perks like gym discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values creativity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your reporting skills and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: NCTJ diploma and experience as a digital reporter required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
News doesn’t wait, and neither will you. We're looking for two ambitious and driven breaking news reporters who are 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 faster, spot trends, refine angles and scale output – but your judgement, contacts and ideas will always be the driving force. We want someone who understands how to use technology to enhance – not replace – their news sense.
You’ll be expected to be across your patch, setting the tone and finding the best stories – analysing what works and what doesn’t for our audiences and adapting in real time. You'll be excellent at using social media to find pictures and videos of live incidents, as well as getting quotes and taking your own video from the scene, and be comfortable in front of the camera on Facebook Live.
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
- Confidence in shooting and presenting video to camera
- 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
- Consistently hit and exceed page‑view and audience growth targets
- NCTJ diploma or equivalent
- Significant experience as a digital reporter, ideally on a major regional or city patch
- Proven track record of breaking stories and developing exclusives
- A strong, active contacts book and the confidence to cultivate new sources quickly
- 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
- 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 - West Midlands in Stourbridge employer: Newsquest
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Breaking News Reporter - West Midlands in Stourbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get your network buzzing! Reach out to your contacts in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a breaking news reporter role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay sharp and up-to-date with the latest news trends. Follow relevant social media accounts, join journalism groups, and engage with content that resonates with your target audience. This will not only keep you informed but also show potential employers that you're passionate about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's in an interview or networking event, be ready to share your best stories and how you've used AI tools to enhance your reporting. Show them you’re not just a reporter, but a storyteller who knows how to adapt and innovate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to dive into the fast-paced world of breaking news reporting in the West Midlands.
We think you need these skills to ace Breaking News Reporter - West Midlands in Stourbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for News: When you write your application, let your enthusiasm for breaking news shine through. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about delivering the latest stories and keeping the community informed.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to showcase your previous reporting experience, especially in fast-paced environments. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so share examples of how you've successfully covered breaking news or developed exclusive stories.
Demonstrate Your Tech Savvy: Since this role involves using AI tools, don’t forget to mention any relevant tech skills you have. We want to know how you’ve used technology to enhance your reporting and how you plan to leverage it in your future work with us.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to tailor your application specifically for this role. Use language from the job description and show us that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities of reporting in the West Midlands. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your Patch
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the West Midlands news landscape. Familiarise yourself with recent breaking stories and key local figures. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the community you’ll be reporting on.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Since this role involves using AI tools and social media for reporting, come prepared to discuss how you’ve used technology in your previous work. Bring examples of how you’ve leveraged digital platforms to break stories or engage audiences, as this will highlight your adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Pressure
As a breaking news reporter, you’ll need to perform under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to deliver news quickly and accurately. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview, demonstrating your resilience and ability to think on your feet.
✨Engage with Your Audience
Understanding audience engagement is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you’ve used data and analytics to shape your reporting. Show that you can identify what resonates with readers and adapt your content accordingly, which is key for success in this role.