At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic news team to create engaging, audience-focused content for Racing Post.
- Company: Join Spotlight Sports Group, a global leader in media and technology for racing and sports betting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and exclusive perks like the Star card.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital journalism and make an impact in the racing industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced newsrooms and a passion for horseracing are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Spotlight Sports Group is a global media and technology company with a clear purpose, to set the standard for trusted, customer-driven experiences across global racing and sports betting.
Guided by our mission to create experiences that fans love, we combine more than 40 years of heritage with bold innovation to deliver award-winning content, data and digital products.
With over 400 employees worldwide, our portfolio includes Racing Post, Pickswise, myracing and Free Super Tips, as well as the international marketing agency
ICS-digital and
ICS-translate . Together, we partner with leading operators, affiliates and media groups to power growth and engagement across the industry.
Job Purpose/summary
Acting as deputy to the news editor, this key role within the Content (racing) team will suit someone with a passion for creating a digital-first, audience-led news service for the Racing Post's unrivalled digital, print and social media platforms.
The ideal candidate will be bursting with ideas for news and innovative digital formats, will have a sharp eye for bringing exclusives to the boil, and a track record of commissioning agenda-setting news.
The deputy news editor will work with the news editor and other commissioning editors; their primary focus will be to assist in running the news-gathering operation and help manage a team of reporters with a view to creating exclusive, industry-leading stories, a daily news service for multiple platforms, and special news projects.
The position is based on a nine-day fortnight and is a hybrid role, with the successful candidate working from our Head Office two to three times a week.
Key responsibilities
- Regularly act as duty news editor, running the reporting team and delivering high-quality stories and content packages
- Assist in developing and fostering a creative environment in which reporters are inspired to produce distinctive, varied and impactful stories
- Help evolve and deliver the digital-first news strategy, including the use of live blogs, explainers, timelines, Q&As, data-led journalism, video and other formats appropriate to the story
- Work closely with audience, social, video and graphics teams to maximise the reach, impact and presentation of news coverage
- Use audience data and editorial judgement to assess performance, identify opportunities and improve future commissioning
- Ensure major breaking stories are covered quickly and followed through with analysis, reaction, explainers and premium depth, in line with the Racing Post's free/premium strategy
- Line manage members of the reporting team and play an active role in raising standards of excellence, embedding new formats and providing feedback
- Represent the news desk at editorial conferences and contribute to wider content team planning and strategy
- Support the planning of news coverage and special projects
Requirements
- Experience of commissioning and editing news in a fast-paced digital newsroom
- Excellent news judgement and the confidence to make rapid editorial decisions under pressure
- A strong understanding of digital publishing, audience behaviour and the formats that drive reach, engagement and subscriptions
- Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and raise standards across a reporting team
- Confidence using audience data and analytics to inform commissioning and coverage decisions
- Excellent time management skills and ability to work to and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication skills at all levels with colleagues, contributors, contacts and stakeholders
- Strong knowledge of media law, editorial compliance and journalistic ethics
- Strong interest in horseracing and at least a working knowledge of the sport and the betting industry
- Experience of managing, coaching or developing journalists is desirable
- private medical insurance
- excellent parental leave
- a working globally policy
- mental health support
- assistance programs
- social gatherings
- a pension scheme
- various other benefit schemes
- birthdays off work
- 25 days of holiday per year
- life assurance
- exclusive perks like the Star card
- our Step Further Awards (our employee recognition program)
- Season Ticket Loan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- complimentary access to our Racing Post Members Club, complete with an Ultimate Membership
- volunteer two days per year with our charity partner
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy News Editor - Racing Post employer: Racing Post
The Racing Post is an exceptional employer for those passionate about journalism and the racing industry, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Lambourn. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees are encouraged to hone their skills while engaging with a dynamic community of trainers and racing enthusiasts. The company values creativity and initiative, making it a rewarding place for correspondents to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy News Editor - Racing Post
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Racing Post!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Racing Post, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy News Editor - Racing Post
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Racing Post:When applying for the Deputy News Editor - Racing Post role at Racing Post, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Racing Post produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Racing Post
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Racing Post. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
