Culture News Editor/Writer

About us

The Independent has always been “condemned to innovate”, and has always done so. It has many “firsts” to its credit, including its own creation. It was the first British newspaper to add a Saturday magazine; the first broadsheet to go tabloid; the first to give stunning photography the same prestige as a news or feature story; the first to challenge the Westminster lobby system of closed briefings (“a self-satisfied cabal”); the first to launch a concise quality compact paper, i, in 2010; the first to launch an edition for children; and the first to go fully digital, in 2016. We felt then that our resources would best be concentrated on this growing medium, and progress since has justified that.

Through The Independent Daily Edition app, The Independent and indy100 websites, via social media and via the subscription service, Independent Premium, we hope to continue the work of many decades, and to make our voice ever louder and more insistent the world over; across generations, genders and cultures. Every minute of every day we are forging new bonds with new audiences.

Today we have teams across the globe, from Delhi, Moscow and the Middle East, through to London, New York and Los Angeles.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. As a growing and global brand, we must have a workforce that’s more representative of our readers, viewers, clients and partners, and a workplace that creates a sense of belonging for everyone.
• We are committed to hiring and developing a diverse workforce regardless of background, and we support our people to thrive in their careers here.

The Independent is an equal opportunities employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please do not hesitate to advise us accordingly.

The role

The Independent is recruiting a Culture News Editor/Writer to play a central role in driving its UK arts and entertainment coverage, leading major stories and breaking news. The successful candidate will be a team player, with a deep understanding of all aspects of online journalism, and open to sometimes working evenings and weekends, where needed. You must be a confident and experienced journalist who thrives under the pressure of working in a fast-paced newsroom.

About you

• Significant experience in a similar role at similar news website
• A proven track record of covering major culture events (Oscars, Grammy Awards, Baftas, Super Bowl, Eurovision etc.) and breaking news on a culture desk
• NCTJ qualification and demonstrable experience with navigating media law
• Excellent contacts spanning the film, TV, music, comedy and theatre industries
• Strong news sense and ability to present stories in an original, engaging manner
• An understanding of The Independent brand and audience.

Responsibilities

• Source culture news stories that suit The Independent brand and appeal to our readers
• Edit copy quickly and efficiently
• Write clean, accurate copy in-keeping with our brand values and editorial standards
• Understand digital best practices
• Work closely and collaboratively with the head of culture and other senior editors
• Work with the audience team to ensure articles reach the widest possible readership.

Our values – you will deliver across all our values

Inclusive: We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. Working as a team, we put transparency and effective communication at the heart of everything we do.

Innovative: From the very beginning, The Independent has been breaking the mould. We take risks and are always looking to try new ideas in pursuit of excellence.

Independent: Nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own minds and aren’t afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.