At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic team to cover breaking news and engage with a large online audience.
- Company: Dorset Echo, a fast-paced digital newsroom in Weymouth.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, career progression, gym discounts, and more perks.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your journalism career and make an impact in a vibrant newsroom.
- Qualifications: NCTJ-qualified or equivalent, strong writing skills, and a passion for news.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
The Dorset Echo is looking for a driven Live Reporter to join our fast‑paced digital newsroom, working on a shift pattern which can include early mornings, evenings and weekend shifts. You’ll be at the heart of our breaking news operation – reacting fast, filing clean copy at speed and helping us reach and engage a large online audience every day. This role is entry‑level and suits someone who wants to start their career in journalism by working on our digital team.
Key Responsibilities
- Work as part of the Dorset Echo Live team, producing breaking and trending news across our website and social platforms.
- File multiple stories a day to a high standard, with sharp headlines and engaging intros.
- Run live blogs on major incidents, weather events, traffic disruption, courts and council as required.
- Attend breaking news scenes, film video, capture pictures, and gather eyewitness accounts.
- Hit ambitious digital targets.
- Help manage and update the homepage and key section fronts.
- Publish and promote content across social channels, writing engaging posts and monitoring performance.
- Use real‑time analytics to shape coverage and spot opportunities to grow the audience.
- Use AI technology to assist you in this role.
- Ensure all content complies with media law and IPSO Editors’ Code.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- NCTJ‑qualified or equivalent, with strong shorthand and media law.
- Proven ability to write quickly, accurately and cleanly to deadline in a live news environment.
- Confident in covering breaking news on the ground, including video and photography.
- Comfortable running live blogs and juggling multiple stories at once.
- Strong digital instincts – you understand what makes a story perform online and how to craft engaging headlines and social posts.
- An energetic self‑starter with excellent news sense, plenty of ideas and a willingness to work a variety of early, mid and late shifts.
- Confident using social media and AI Tools (additional training will be provided).
- A team player who can take direction, respond to feedback and thrive in a busy newsroom.
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.
Live Reporter - Dorset Echo in Weymouth employer: Newsquest
The Dorset Echo offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring journalists to kickstart their careers in a dynamic digital newsroom located in Weymouth. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides structured career progression, ongoing training, and a supportive work culture that values teamwork and innovation. Employees enjoy generous benefits including 25 days of holiday, a pension plan, and various perks, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in journalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Live Reporter - Dorset Echo in Weymouth
✨Get Publishing Fast
Kickstart your journalism journey by pitching stories to local news outlets or starting your own blog. The more pieces you have published, the easier it is for us to see your writing style and versatility when you apply for that entry-level role at Newsquest.
✨Join Journalism Networks
Become part of journalism groups on social media platforms or join associations like the National Union of Journalists. They often post about entry-level opportunities and you'll meet people who can provide insider info about internships at places like Newsquest.
✨Show Your Script
Create an online portfolio showcasing your best work—think articles, multimedia projects, or even a podcast! This tangible evidence of your skills will catch the eye of recruiters and help us see your potential right away.
✨Don't Forget Campus Resources
If you're studying, utilise your university's career services—they often have listings for entry-level journalism roles or internships. They might even set up networking events where you can meet representatives from companies like Newsquest!
We think you need these skills to ace Live Reporter - Dorset Echo in Weymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your writing chops:Get your best pieces together and highlight your writing skills – whether that’s articles, blog posts, or even social media snippets. Make sure to include a link to an online portfolio if you have one, as it lets us see your style and versatility right away!
Craft a compelling cover letter:In your cover letter, share why you’re passionate about journalism and what excites you about the role at Newsquest. We love to see your enthusiasm and how you can contribute fresh ideas or perspectives—don’t just summarise your CV; tell us your story!
Demonstrate your research skills:Journalism is all about digging deeper. Make sure to highlight any research projects or articles you've worked on. Being able to provide specific examples of how you’ve sourced, verified, and presented information shows us you understand the essence of good journalism.
Keep it concise and engaging:Being in the media industry means knowing the importance of capturing attention quickly. Make sure your CV and cover letter are to the point, engaging, and free from jargon. A clean, well-structured application will definitely stand out when we're assessing entries for this entry-level position at Newsquest.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Sharpen Your Storytelling Skills
In journalism, your ability to tell a compelling story is key. Be prepared to discuss your previous work, whether it’s blogs, articles, or any student publications. Point out the thought process behind your stories and how you engaged your audience—this will help showcase your creativity and narrative skills.
✨Familiarise with Current Trends
Stay updated with the latest trends in journalism and media. Make sure you can talk about recent news stories or debates in the industry, like the impact of social media on reporting. This shows your passion and commitment to the field, which is super important for an entry-level role.
✨Practice Your Interviewing Techniques
As an aspiring journalist, you'll need to showcase your interviewing skills. Consider role-playing with a friend, where you can practice asking open-ended questions and following up on responses. Demonstrating a natural conversational style can help you stand out during the interview with Newsquest.
✨Showcase a Diverse Portfolio
Even for an entry-level position, having a portfolio is essential. Gather a mix of your best work – articles, videos, or multimedia pieces. Tailor your portfolio to the specific role at Newsquest; highlight projects that align with the kind of journalism they focus on. It'll reinforce your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute!
