Local Democracy Reporter

Newsquest; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local media organization seeks a Local Democracy Reporter in Blackburn to cover local councils and champion community concerns. You will attend council meetings, report on issues affecting residents, and pursue impactful stories. The position demands proven journalism experience, exceptional writing skills, and an NCTJ qualification. With a focus on community engagement, you'll work closely with local news teams and utilize digital tools to enhance reach. Competitive benefits include 25 annual leave days and additional perks.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off

Holiday buy scheme

Structured career progression

Pension plan

Mental health support

Gym membership

Cycle to Work scheme

Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses)

Retail discounts

Team building days

Annual volunteer charity day

Qualifications

• Proven experience in journalism, with understanding of local government processes.
• Confidence working across digital platforms and social media.
• A full driving licence and access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Attend and report on council meetings, decisions, and policies.
• Identify and pursue strong local democracy stories.
• Build trusted relationships with councillors and residents.
• Produce accurate and legally sound journalism.
• Work closely with editors and reporters.

Skills

Journalistic passion

Excellent writing

Research abilities

Communication abilities

Digital proficiency

Ability to work autonomously

Education

NCTJ qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

Local Democracy Reporter

Application Deadline: 28 February 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Blackburn

Reporting To: David Jagger

Description

Are you passionate about democracy and driven to make a real impact through your reporting?

We are looking for a local democracy reporter to cover Blackburn with Darwen Council, Burnley Council and Hyndburn Borough Council, holding those in power to account and standing up for the interests of our communities.

This role will see you scrutinising the work of councils and public bodies in the area, ensuring decisions that affect residents’ daily lives are clearly explained and robustly challenged.

As well as attending meetings and working through agendas for stories, you will be expected to go beyond the paperwork to uncover issues that matter to readers.

This is a role for a reporter who wants to make a difference — someone with the confidence to challenge authority, champion community concerns and deliver impactful public interest journalism.

It should be noted that Lancashire is going through a major local government reorganisation, which will not only be a news item to cover, but also shape the nature of your reporting duties.

You will be expected to attend council and public meetings both in person and to spend time out on the patch talking to residents, campaigners and decision-makers.

An ability to travel independently across the borough is therefore essential. The Local Democracy Reporter Scheme is funded by the BBC, but you will be employed by Newsquest and will work closely with our local news teams.

You will be based at the office of the Lancashire Telegraph in Blackburn. Your copy will be shared on the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service wire and published by a range of outlets, including the BBC.

This role is suitable for a qualified senior reporter or a trainee who has achieved (or is about to achieve) their NCTJ Gold Standard Diploma, including 100wpm shorthand.

Key Responsibilities

• Illuminate local government: Attend and report on council meetings, decisions and policies across East Lancashire, bringing clarity and context to complex local issues.
• Investigative excellence: Identify and pursue strong local democracy stories, providing insightful and thorough reporting that informs the public.
• Community engagement: Build trusted relationships with councillors, MPs, officers, community leaders and residents.
• Champion fair reporting: Produce accurate, balanced and legally sound journalism to the highest professional standards.
• Collaborative spirit: Work closely with editors and reporters to deliver impactful and comprehensive coverage.
• Digital savvy: Use digital tools and social media to broaden reach, engage audiences and promote your journalism.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Journalistic passion: Proven experience in journalism, with a strong understanding of local government and political processes.
• Exceptional skills: Excellent writing, research and communication abilities.
• Independent drive: Ability to work autonomously, manage a busy diary and meet tight deadlines.
• Digital proficiency: Confidence working across digital platforms and social media.
• Qualifications: NCTJ qualification (or equivalent), including 100wpm shorthand, is required.
• A full driving licence and access to a car are required.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan & mental health support
• Perks & discounts including:
  • Gym membership
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses)
  • Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day