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- Tasks: Cover breaking news, write engaging articles, and manage live updates.
- Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher with a commitment to independent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible freelance shifts and the chance to work in a dynamic media environment.
- Why this job: Join a team that values innovation and diversity while making an impact in journalism.
- Qualifications: Must have journalistic experience, strong writing skills, and familiarity with digital publishing.
- Other info: This role is perfect for passionate reporters eager to thrive in fast-paced news situations.
About us
The Independent is an online news publisher that was established in 1986 as a national newspaper independent of party political affiliations or proprietorial influence. In 2016, The Independent became a fully digital publisher, moving away from print in pursuit of sustainability, and to safeguard its values and journalism for the future.
The Independent has always thrived through innovation and change. It was the first British newspaper to add a Saturday magazine; the first to give photography the same prestige as a news copy; the first to challenge the Westminster lobby system of closed briefings; the first broadsheet to move to the more compact ‘tabloid’ format; the first to launch a concise quality compact paper; and the first – and only – major newspaper to pull off a successful transformation to fully digital publishing.
Through The Independent, Independent TV, eCommerce, indy100, subscriptions and other ‘reader revenues’, The Independent plans to continue the work of many decades, bringing much-needed independent journalism to over 100 million unique global visitors a month, making its voice ever louder and more insistent the world over.
We have an international editorial team with our main offices in London and New York. In 2024 The Independent’s portfolio of brands increased through a new licensing partnership with BuzzFeed Inc. to operate the BuzzFeed brands in the UK - BuzzFeed UK, Tasty, Seasoned and HuffPost UK. The additional brands echo the existing business ethos and allow for increased audiences and a further strategic diversification of revenue streams.
About the role
The Independent is seeking Live News Reporters for freelance shifts on the title’s UK team. The successful candidates will be enthusiastic about everything from royal news and pop culture, to politics and major international news. The right candidates will be trained journalists with strong news backgrounds, and will have a firm grasp on all aspects of digital publishing.
They will have the ability to source and verify information independently for publication, as well as understanding how best to use agency content is a must. The right journalists will be both confident reporters and live-bloggers. You will be expected to be comfortable managing multiple priorities in a calm and methodical manner, and possess the ability to thrive in breaking and changing news situations.
Key responsibilities and skills
- Writing clean and legally sound news copy.
- Working knowledge of newsroom SEO.
- Understand digital analytics tools.
- Have a proven track record as a news journalist.
- Act swiftly and vocally when issues arise.
- Be a problem solver with the ability to deal with issues calmly and decisively.
- Be a team-player able to work well with others.
Essential skills and experience
- Experience of successfully working in a similar role at a similar title.
- Demonstrable experience as a journalist.
- Strong familiarity with the Independent and our coverage.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to multitask.
- NCTJ or equivalent.
- Skilled content creator.
- Ability to clearly communicate best practices.
- Experience of working in a dynamic fast-paced media environment.
Diversity, Equality 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.
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.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Live News Reporters - Freelance employer: The Independent
Contact Detail:
The Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Live News Reporters - Freelance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and tone. Read their articles regularly to understand what they value in reporting, which will help you align your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former journalists from The Independent. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current events and trending topics relevant to The Independent's audience. Being able to discuss these during interviews will demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness for the fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your digital skills by creating a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially pieces that involve live reporting or breaking news. This will illustrate your capability to thrive in a dynamic media landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Live News Reporters - Freelance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Live News Reporter position. Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and coverage to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Strong CV: Highlight your relevant experience as a journalist, particularly in fast-paced environments. Include specific examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to write clean news copy and manage multiple priorities.
Write a Tailored Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and The Independent's mission. Mention your familiarity with their content and how your skills align with their values of inclusivity, innovation, and independence.
Showcase Your Work: If possible, include links to your previous articles or reports that showcase your writing style and journalistic skills. This will give the hiring team a clear idea of your capabilities and how you can contribute to their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent
✨Know Your News
Make sure you're up to date with the latest news, especially from The Independent. Familiarise yourself with their style and coverage to show your genuine interest and understanding of their brand.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work as a journalist. Highlight your experience in writing clean, legally sound news copy and your familiarity with digital publishing tools, including SEO and analytics.
✨Demonstrate Calm Under Pressure
Be ready to discuss how you've managed breaking news situations in the past. Share specific instances where you acted swiftly and decisively, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
The Independent values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about your experiences working in a team. Highlight how you communicate effectively and support your colleagues in a fast-paced environment.
