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- Tasks: Create engaging news content using AI tools while applying traditional journalism skills.
- Company: Join the Watford Observer, a leader in innovative journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, career progression, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI in journalism and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: NCTJ diploma or equivalent with strong writing and editing skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for training and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Watford Observer is seeking an AI-assisted reporter to join our team and help us expand our use of AI to deliver first class news. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of a new era in journalism, utilising AI technology to create local, and hyper-local content for the Observer while also applying their traditional journalism skills and news sense and working as part of the team in Watford.
This role will blend some traditional, on‑the‑ground reporting with the growing capability of AI‑powered journalism tools, designed to help you work faster, smarter and at higher impact. You’ll use AI to speed up rewrites, find background information, find stories and organise content — while applying strong journalistic judgement, original reporting, and an ability to turn live moments into stories that drive audience growth.
The successful candidate will be part of a rota of reporters covering early and late shifts, as well as weekends. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about journalism and the potential for AI to contribute to the way we produce and consume news, without losing sight of the importance of quality reporting and writing.
This is a proactive role that requires a keen news sense and innate understanding of what makes a strong story and what audiences want to read across a whole range of platforms. As an AI-assisted reporter, you will have the opportunity to develop your news and technical skills, including learning how to manage and utilise AI technology effectively while employing your core journalistic skills to the sourcing, selection, angle and presentation of your digital content.
A whole host of audience and content analytics will aid you in refining and perfecting your content to meet the needs of audiences and drive growth. You'll play a key role in ensuring that our articles meet the highest standards of accuracy, information, and compliance with media law, plagiarism, and privacy, utilising your journalistic expertise alongside AI tools.
Key Responsibilities- Work with an AI system to help write news articles, while also utilising your journalism skills to maintain the quality and authenticity of the content.
- Cover breaking news as it happens by running live blogs and publishing updates ahead of our rivals.
- Ensure that all content produced meets legal and ethical standards, including those related to media law, plagiarism, privacy, and accuracy.
- Source stories and ideas from a range of sources, proactively building and refining a news list of high quality, engaging digital content.
- Identify and deliver areas to expand our coverage into, as well as the topics and story types that will resonate.
- Efficiently upload and manage stories, using time-saving AI tools and techniques to ensure a seamless process without compromising the quality of the content.
- Contribute to the development of AI technology by monitoring the performance of AI-generated content and identifying areas for improvement.
- Work closely with our existing editorial teams to help integrate selected AI-generated content into a variety of newsrooms.
- Train other reporters in the use of AI technology.
- Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices related to AI and journalism.
- Meet page view targets.
- NCTJ diploma or equivalent.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with strong attention to detail.
- A strong understanding of journalistic principles and practices.
- Excellent working knowledge of relevant media law and adherence to the Editors’ Code of Conduct are vital to fulfilling the functions of the role.
- Creativity and innovation, with a willingness to experiment with new approaches and techniques.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to analyse data and generate insights to inform content decisions.
- 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.
AI Expansion Reporter in Watford employer: Newsquest
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Expansion Reporter in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the journalism field, especially those who are already using AI in their work. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn from others' experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best writing and any projects where you've used AI tools. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on AI trends! Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts to keep your knowledge fresh. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with the AI Expansion Reporter role at Watford Observer.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Expansion Reporter in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Journalism: Let us see your enthusiasm for journalism in your application! Share examples of how you've used your journalistic skills in the past, especially if you've dabbled with AI tools. We want to know what drives you to tell stories and how you can bring that passion to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with AI in journalism and any relevant projects you've worked on. We love seeing candidates who take the time to align their skills with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity and good structure, so make sure your ideas flow well. Remember, you're applying for a role where communication is key, so show us your writing chops!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so don’t hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your AI Tools
Familiarise yourself with the latest AI journalism tools and how they can enhance your reporting. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used technology in your previous work or how you plan to integrate AI into your reporting process.
✨Showcase Your News Sense
Prepare to demonstrate your understanding of what makes a compelling story. Think about recent news events and how you would approach them, especially in a local context. This will show your potential employer that you have a keen eye for newsworthy content.
✨Emphasise Ethical Reporting
Be prepared to discuss the importance of media law, plagiarism, and privacy in your work. Highlight any experiences where you ensured compliance with these standards, as this role requires a strong commitment to ethical journalism.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with other reporters, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic at the Watford Observer.
