At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and create engaging news content for top online publishers.
- Company: Join a dynamic news agency with a passion for original storytelling.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, hybrid working, health plans, and more perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Cover exciting stories and make an impact in the world of journalism.
- Qualifications: Experience in news reporting and strong social media skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Employment Type: Full time
Sector: News and Content Agencies
Location: Bristol
Hybrid working: (3 days office, 2 days WFH week)
Who we are: Every day hundreds of stories, images and videos from SWNS are published and broadcast across the national and international media. They are created by a team of dedicated journalists, photographers, videographers and editors based across the UK who are passionate about real, original stories. We combine traditional reporting with the best content-gathering techniques for digital and social media to produce a news wire that drives millions of views every day. Our journalists cover breaking news, court cases, amazing human interest stories, consumer issues, health studies, scientific breakthroughs, stunning imagery and viral videos. SWNS clients are some of the biggest news publishers and TV shows in the world – including the Sun, Mirror, Daily Record, Daily Mail, Times, TMZ, Telegraph, New York Post, and Have I Got News For You.
Who we’re looking for: We are looking for a reporter to source and create content which will be used by the biggest online publishers in the world. Applicants should have experience covering breaking news and human interest and working up stories for a news publication. You will have experience generating your own stories, but will also be able to work as a team - to a brief from a news-editor and undertake commissions for national newspapers and websites. Experience of court reporting would be an advantage, though not essential. The ideal candidate will need to be aware of significant events and dates on their patch and will be expected to inform senior staff when they arise, as well as keeping track of their own stories as they develop. This requires maturity and impressive interview skills. You must be inquisitive and interested in the lives of people who might be very different to you. Editors will look to you to gain and share your knowledge of the newest social media tools or latest TikTok or X trend. You should be able to develop your own stories thanks to sourcing skills you already have and will learn. You must be a team player. Organisation skills are a must. You will be juggling stories every day, so you must be organised and disciplined. You must be passionate about succeeding in the role. It’s hard work, but immensely fun.
The role: The successful candidate will cover the best stories in the South West of England as well as assisting other teams across the UK. It will be a mix of working on stories assigned to you and those sourced yourself. You will be desk-based for some of the time – telephone interview skills and social media sourcing are vital – but will also regularly cover stories out in the patch. Social media skills are essential. You should know your way around all the platforms – and how to use them to source stories. An NCTJ qualification / similar and shorthand would be preferable but not essential. You must have a clean driving licence and a car.
Additional information: SWNS is a National Living Wage employer. We are an inclusive employer that values diversity in its workforce. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Recent studies show most UK journalism industry professionals come from white ethnic groups (92%) and from professional or upper-class backgrounds (80%). We want to continue to do our part to change this and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.
SWNS also has a generous and growing list of employee benefits, including:
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan – reimbursement on a number of health services
- Employee Assistance Programme
- GP Anytime
- Holiday Entitlement: 25 days (+ Bank Holidays) per year
- Hybrid Working
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced Paternity Pay – 4 weeks full pay
- Contribution towards homeworking equipment
- Company-wide Summer Event and Christmas Party
- Paid Bereavement / Compassionate Leave
- Railcard reimbursement for regular travellers for work
- Sick Pay
- Your birthday off
- Subscription to Furthr
- Salary Sacrifice EV Car Scheme
Reporter employer: Southern Daily Echo
Moneyfacts Group plc is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and expertise in finance converge. With a competitive salary of up to £70,000 and flexible working options, employees enjoy a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and innovation. Located in a vibrant area, the company provides unique opportunities for collaboration and development within the financial sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reporter
✨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 Southern Daily Echo!
✨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 Southern Daily Echo, 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 Reporter
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 Southern Daily Echo:When applying for the Reporter role at Southern Daily Echo, 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 Southern Daily Echo 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 Southern Daily Echo
✨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 Southern Daily Echo. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
