At a Glance
- Tasks: Shine a light on local councils and report on key community issues.
- Company: Join the Liverpool Echo, part of the UK's largest commercial news publisher.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, healthcare support, and flexible working policies.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique story.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by holding local politicians accountable and sharing vital stories.
- Qualifications: NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist with a passion for local issues.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Do you want to shine a light on the daily decisions of councils, to ensure politicians keep their promises and to break essential stories about public interest issues? We are looking for someone to join us at the Liverpool Echo as a Local Democracy Reporter to live and breathe the decisions being made by Knowsley & Sefton councils. From the state of roads to local schools to new recycling services, every one of us is affected by the decisions that councils make. You will be part of a team of 165 reporters working throughout the UK to hold local authorities to account through a BBC-supported service. Your work will mean that everyone in Liverpool will get to hear about what the council are doing in their name. If you’re a politically-minded reporter, ready to hold power to account in Liverpool, searching for brilliant and engaging stories for our audience then this is the position for you! This role is fully hub based in Liverpool City Centre, with regular travel to Knowsley & Sefton councils. Therefore you must be currently located in or around Liverpool, or be ready to relocate.
A day in the life of a Local Democracy Reporter looks like this:
- You’ll be covering the key business of a variety of Knowsley & Sefton councils, as well as the political and social issues affecting their communities.
- Making sure you cover the council meetings and key decisions in a timely manner.
- You will build contacts, understand and explore the key issues, write features and break exclusives with your work having the potential to also be shown on the BBC Homepage and used by other local media partners.
Who are we looking for?
- You are an NCTJ or NQJ qualified journalist, ideally with 100wpm shorthand skills (or be currently working towards this), with an understanding and interest in the issues of your local community.
- Previous experience reporting on local government/councils is desirable.
- You have the ability to pull the stories out of the local council meetings that our readers want to know about.
- A good knowledge of social media and how you can use it to drive audience and engagement from the people in your area is an advantage.
- You’re interested by the local council and government, want to hold politicians to account and ensure the local communities are heard.
- You are an expert on all things Liverpool and have a solid understanding of the patch you will be covering.
How we'll look after you:
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years.
- An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
- Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!).
- Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
- Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression.
- A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
- Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
- Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
- Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly.
- Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.
If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying. We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work. Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Local Democracy Reporter - Liverpool Echo employer: The Liverpool Echo
At Reach, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth. As a Local Democracy Reporter based in the heart of Liverpool, you'll enjoy a supportive environment with generous benefits, including 25 days of holiday, enhanced family leave, and opportunities for community engagement. Join us to make a meaningful impact in local journalism while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic team dedicated to holding power to account.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter - Liverpool Echo
✨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 The Liverpool 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 The Liverpool 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 Local Democracy Reporter - Liverpool Echo
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 The Liverpool Echo:When applying for the Local Democracy Reporter - Liverpool Echo role at The Liverpool 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 The Liverpool 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 The Liverpool 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 The Liverpool Echo. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
