At a Glance
- Tasks: Shine a light on local council decisions and report on community issues.
- Company: Join Reach, the UK's largest commercial news publisher with a diverse range of brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, bonus schemes, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by holding politicians accountable and sharing important stories.
- Qualifications: NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist with an interest in local government.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Local Democracy Reporter - LeicestershireLive
- Full-time
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Location: Regional
- Division: Editorial
- Department: Regionals
Do you want to shine a light on the daily decisions of councils, to ensure politicians keep their promises and to break essential stories about public interest issues?
We are looking for someone to join us at the Leicestershire Live and its print counterpart the Leicester Mercury as a Local Democracy Reporter to live and breathe the decisions being made by politicians and institutions across Leicestershire.
Leicestershire Live prides itself on its extensive, accurate and trusted coverage of news and events across the city and county. We set the agenda and make a difference. Our campaigning, investigations and first-class journalism change lives.
From the state of roads to local schools to new recycling services, every one of us is affected by the decisions that councils make. You will be part of a team of 165 reporters working throughout the UK to hold local authorities to account through a BBC-supported service.
Your work will mean that everyone in Leicestershire will get to hear about what the council is doing in their name.
If you’re a politically-minded reporter, ready to hold power to account in Leicestershire, searching for brilliant and engaging stories for our audience then this is the position for you!
We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.
This role is home based however due to the nature of the role, you will need to be based in Leicestershire.
About us
Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.
We\'re home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like the Manchester Evening News, MyLondon, BelfastLive and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.
It\'s our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland\'s largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK\'s online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…
Your story, with Reach
As a modern media organisation, we\'re much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.
We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.
We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.
Responsibilities
- You’ll be covering the key business of a variety of Leicestershire councils, as well as the political and social issues affecting their communities
- Making sure you cover the council meetings and key decisions in a timely manner
- You will build contacts, understand and explore the key issues, write features and break exclusives with your work having the potential to also be shown on the BBC Homepage and used by other local media partners
Who are we looking for?
- You are an NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist, ideally with 100wpm shorthand skills (or be currently working towards this), with an understanding and interest in the issues of your local community
- Previous experience reporting on local government/councils is desirable
- You have the ability to pull the stories out of the local council meetings that our readers want to know about
- A good knowledge of social media and how you can use it to drive audience and engagement from the people in your area is an advantage
- You’re interested by the local council and government, want to hold politicians to account and ensure the local communities are heard
- You are an expert on all things Leicestershire and have a solid understanding of the patch you will be covering
How we\'ll look after you
We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you\'ll get a range of benefits, including:
25 days\' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you\'ve been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
An extra day\'s paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
Bonus scheme - you\'ll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
Help saving for your retirement - we\'ll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers . If there\'s something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.
A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor\'s appointments.
Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach\'s very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology
Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
Local Democracy Reporter - LeicestershireLive employer: REACH PLC
At Reach, we pride ourselves on being a leading media organisation that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Local Democracy Reporter in Leicestershire, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, volunteer days, and a bonus scheme, all while having the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community through engaging journalism. With a commitment to employee growth and well-being, Reach offers a dynamic environment where your voice matters and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter - LeicestershireLive
✨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 REACH PLC!
✨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 REACH PLC, 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 Local Democracy Reporter - LeicestershireLive
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 REACH PLC:When applying for the Local Democracy Reporter - LeicestershireLive role at REACH PLC, 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 REACH PLC 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 REACH PLC
✨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 REACH PLC. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
