Senior Reporter - The Dorset Echo
Application Deadline: 15 September 2026
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Weymouth
Reporting To: Diarmuid Macdonagh
Description
The Dorset Echo is looking for a digitally savvy, community-focused Senior Reporter to join our busy newsroom.
This is a great opportunity for a proven reporter to develop their skills across a lively patch, covering breaking news and producing engaging content for multiple platforms.
Our reporters work on a rota which includes some evenings and weekend shifts, with the expectation that major breaking news is covered, whatever the time of day.
Key Responsibilities
- Break the news across Dorset 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
- Excellent writing skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work quickly and accurately
- Skilled at building relationships with key contacts
- Highly organised with strong time management
- Knowledge of SEO and media law
- Confident using social media and AI Tools (additional training will be provided)
- Adaptable writing style across different formats and platforms
- Ideally, NCTJ qualified or equivalent (including 100wpm shorthand). If you do not yet have shorthand, you must be willing to train towards it
- A full driving licence and access to a car are essential
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
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Senior Reporter - The Dorset Echo in Weymouth employer: Newsquest
The Dorset Echo offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring journalists to thrive in a dynamic digital newsroom environment in Weymouth. With a strong focus on employee development, you will receive hands-on training and mentorship while working alongside experienced professionals. Our inclusive work culture encourages creativity and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of news reporting.
