At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a fast-paced news desk, editing and managing engaging stories for print and online.
- Company: The Express, a leading national news outlet in London.
- Benefits: 25 days' holiday, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible hours required, including evenings and weekends.
- Why this job: Make your mark in journalism and lead the way in breaking news.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of national newsroom experience and a passion for current affairs.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
LondonReach is looking for an Assistant News Editor to join us at The Express. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious senior reporter, chief reporter, or assistant news editor to step into a pivotal, fast‑paced role on a busy national news desk. Based in London, you will bring a sharp eye for a story, immense enthusiasm, and the confidence to make quick, high‑level editorial decisions. Working across both print and online platforms, you will help run on‑ and off‑diary news, ensuring our output is fast, trustworthy, and deeply engaging. If you are a seasoned journalist with national desk experience or a senior ready to make the leap and you have the drive to keep us ahead of our rivals, we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- You will support the Head of News and the wider news desk in managing, reviewing, and maintaining the exceptional quality of news content across the Express.
- You will work actively on the news desk, running on‑ and off‑diary news while editing stories to strict Express standards for both print and digital platforms.
- You will help oversee the operational performance of the reporting team, finding, breaking, and sourcing major exclusives that keep us ahead of our rivals.
- You will play a key role in developing the department, updating relevant sections of the site, building brand identity, and optimizing content alongside other editorial teams.
Please note: While you will heavily support, coach, and manage the daily workflow of the reporting team, this role does not have direct line management reports.
Qualifications
- Desk Experience: You have national newsroom experience (ideally at least 5 years). We are looking for an Assistant News Editor, but an accomplished Chief Reporter or Senior Reporter ready to step up is highly encouraged to apply.
- Multi‑Platform Background: A strong understanding of online publishing is essential, coupled with proven experience working on a busy print newsdesk.
- Decisive & Energetic: You are a self‑motivated individual who can think and act quickly under pressure, with a genuine passion for breaking exclusive news.
- Journalistic Excellence: You are an NCTJ-qualified (or senior qualified) journalist with a sharp eye for a story, high professionalism, and a keen interest in current affairs.
- Flexibility & Location: You are London‑based and completely understand the Express brand and what drives reader engagement. This role involves shift work, including evenings and weekends, so a flexible approach to hours is required.
Benefits
25 days' holiday (plus
Assistant News Editor in London employer: Southern Daily Echo
At LondonReach, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture. As an Assistant News Editor at The Express, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and creativity, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days' holiday and opportunities to work on high-impact stories in the heart of London. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering trustworthy and engaging news content across multiple platforms.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant News Editor in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend events, and engage with journalists on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, including articles, features, and any exclusive stories you've broken. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to news organisations you admire, like The Express, and express your interest in potential opportunities. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at The Express.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant News Editor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your national newsroom experience in your application. We want to see how your background as a senior reporter or assistant news editor has prepared you for this fast-paced role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand our brand and what we stand for.
Be Decisive and Energetic:In your application, convey your ability to think quickly and act decisively under pressure. Share examples of how you've successfully managed breaking news stories in the past – we’re looking for that passion for journalism!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Daily Echo
✨Know Your News
Before the interview, make sure you’re up to speed with the latest news stories, especially those relevant to The Express. Familiarise yourself with their style and recent headlines. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your understanding of what they value in their news coverage.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous roles in detail, particularly any experience you have on a national news desk. Highlight specific examples where you made quick editorial decisions or broke significant stories. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Multi-Platform Skills
Since the role involves both print and online platforms, prepare to talk about your experience with each. Bring examples of how you've successfully adapted content for different formats and engaged audiences across various channels. This will illustrate your versatility and understanding of modern journalism.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how they measure success. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the team’s goals and understanding the bigger picture at The Express.
