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- Tasks: Cover local councils and report on key political stories in Bracknell and Wokingham.
- Company: Join Newsquest, a leading news organisation with a strong community presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, birthday off, and various discounts.
- Why this job: Make an impact in local journalism while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for local government and ability to write engaging stories; NCTJ qualification preferred.
- Other info: Flexible role with good work-life balance and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Regional weeklies Bracknell News, Ascot News and Wokingham News are on the lookout for an outstanding reporter to cover politics in one of Newsquest’s fastest-growing newsrooms – as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme. This represents a rare opportunity to join one of the UK’s best titles and a leader for page views and subscriptions growth, with a strong following in print.
As a member of Newsquest, you will be part of a network of dozens of leading news brands across the country, providing 24/7 coverage of news, sport and showbiz to tens of millions of people.
Key ResponsibilitiesAs a Local Democracy Reporter, you will get to cover local councils in Bracknell and Wokingham – working from our newsroom in Reading – and cover some of the biggest news stories.
Skills, Knowledge & ExpertiseYou will join a team with a track record of breaking agenda-setting council stories and play a vital role in supporting the BBC’s public journalism programme. We need someone with excellent knowledge and passion for local government, as well as the ability to write engaging and sparkling copy. The vacancy is available as part of the BBC-funded local democracy scheme and is ideal for a senior reporter looking to expand their career, but applications from outstanding newly-NCTJ qualified reporters will also be considered.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, meaning that your stories will be seen on a variety of sites and newspapers. It’s a flexible role that requires covering council meetings, some of which are held in the evenings, but also provides a good work-life balance. A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.
Job BenefitsThis is a fantastic opportunity to join a great team on a competitive salary. Oxford is a brilliant place to live and work. This role creates an opportunity to hone your skills and learn from the best people across regional news and the BBC. As a Newsquest employee, you will also get:
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays AND your birthday off!
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee rewards programme
- Cinema vouchers
- Discounted gym membership
- High street vouchers
- Virgin Media discount
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so submit your details as soon as possible.
Local Democracy Reporter - Reading in Wokingham employer: Newsquest
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter - Reading in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the journalism field, especially those who work at Newsquest or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best work that highlights your ability to cover local government stories. Bring it along to interviews or share it online to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on local issues! Follow local news closely and be ready to discuss current events during interviews. This shows your passion for local democracy and your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application as soon as possible, so don’t wait until the deadline. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Democracy Reporter - Reading in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Local Politics: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for local government shine through. We want to see that you’re not just a reporter, but someone who genuinely cares about the community and its issues.
Craft Engaging Copy: Your writing should be as sparkling as the stories you’ll cover! Make sure your application showcases your ability to write engaging and clear copy. We love a good story, so tell us yours!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with the role of Local Democracy Reporter. Highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your knowledge of local councils and journalism.
Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your Local Politics
Before the interview, brush up on local council issues and recent news stories in Bracknell and Wokingham. Being able to discuss current events and demonstrate your passion for local government will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio of your best writing samples, especially those that highlight your ability to cover political topics. During the interview, be ready to discuss your writing process and how you engage readers with your copy.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with questions about the newsroom's approach to local democracy reporting and how they collaborate with the BBC. This not only shows your interest but also helps you understand the role better.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role involves covering evening council meetings, express your willingness to adapt your schedule. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully managed flexible working hours or tight deadlines.