News Reporter

News Reporter

Full-Time 28800 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our UK desk to pitch and write original news stories.
  • Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher with a commitment to independent journalism.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment, opportunities for growth, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that values innovation and integrity in journalism while making a global impact.
  • Qualifications: NCTJ-trained with proven experience in fast-paced news environments and strong digital skills.
  • Other info: We support diverse backgrounds and offer reasonable adjustments for applicants.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.

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, make 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.

The role

The Independent is seeking a news reporter to join the title’s UK desk in London.

The right candidate will be an experienced reporter, able to pitching and write agenda-setting original stories, as well as helming live coverage and turning around breaking news quickly.

The right candidate will be an NCTJ-trained journalist with a strong news background with a firm grasp on all aspects of digital publishing.

The ability to source and verify information independently for publication, as well as understanding how best to use trusted sourcing is essential. The right journalist will be a confident reporter as well as an aggregator.

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.
  • Live-blogging.
  • 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, 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.

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.

News Reporter employer: The Independent

The Independent is an exceptional employer for news reporters, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment in the heart of London. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to impactful journalism that reaches millions globally. The company's pioneering spirit and dedication to independent reporting create a fulfilling atmosphere for those passionate about making a difference in the media landscape.
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Contact Detail:

The Independent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land News Reporter

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and tone. Read a variety of articles to understand what makes their reporting unique, and think about how your own writing can align with their voice while still showcasing your individuality.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of The Independent. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider insights about the newsroom culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current events and trending topics relevant to The Independent's audience. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently during your interview will demonstrate your passion for journalism and your readiness to contribute to their news coverage.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your digital skills by being prepared to discuss your experience with SEO and analytics tools. Highlight any specific examples where you've successfully used these skills to enhance your reporting or engage readers online.

We think you need these skills to ace News Reporter

NCTJ or equivalent qualification
Strong news writing skills
Live-blogging experience
Knowledge of newsroom SEO
Familiarity with digital analytics tools
Proven track record as a news journalist
Ability to source and verify information independently
Excellent organisational skills
Multitasking ability
Calmness under pressure
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Strong communication skills
Problem-solving abilities
Adaptability in fast-paced environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the news reporter position. Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and values to tailor your application accordingly.

Craft a Compelling CV: Highlight your relevant experience as a journalist, focusing on your NCTJ training and any previous roles in similar environments. Include specific examples of stories you've covered, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to work under pressure and produce high-quality content.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for journalism and your understanding of The Independent's mission. Discuss how your background aligns with their values of innovation and independence, and mention any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.

Showcase Your Work: If possible, include links to your published articles or a portfolio of your work. This will give the hiring team a clear idea of your writing style and capabilities, especially in producing clean and legally sound news copy.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of The Independent's history, values, and recent stories. Being able to discuss their unique approach to journalism will show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your ability to write clean, engaging news copy and manage breaking news situations. Be ready to discuss how you've used digital tools and SEO in your reporting.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

The Independent values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with others in a newsroom setting. Share experiences where you contributed to a team effort or helped resolve conflicts.

✨Stay Calm Under Pressure

As a news reporter, you'll need to thrive in fast-paced environments. Be ready to discuss how you've handled tight deadlines and breaking news situations in the past, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

News Reporter
The Independent
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