Local Democracy Reporter

National World plc; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable media organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Local Democracy Reporter to cover local councils in West Sussex. This role involves delivering multimedia content and engaging with local communities through various channels, including social media. Ideal candidates will possess excellent writing skills, knowledge of local government, and experience in journalism. The contract is full-time and based in Chichester office, with a focus on political neutrality and public engagement. Join to make a difference in local journalism.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in shorthand (e.g. 100 wpm) is required.
• Minimum of two years’ experience as a reporter in a news environment is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with local government workings and processes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strong multimedia content, focusing on text, images, audio, and video.
• Write engagingly, using SEO and social media awareness.
• Ensure all content is politically neutral and fairly reflects views.

Skills

Good writing skills

Excellent communicator on social media

Strong contact-building skills

Ability to work under pressure

Self-starter

Education

National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ)

Tools

Digital tools and techniques

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Local Democracy Reporter (Worthing, Adur and Arun)

Location: Chichester (office), with councils based in Worthing, Shoreham, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton

Contract Type: Full-time fixed term until December 31, 2027

Do you want to shine a light on the workings of some of West Sussex’s busy local councils, hold power to account and have a ringside seat at the heart of local decision-making? Then this could be the job for you.

We’re looking for a reporter to join the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting Service, covering Worthing Borough Council, Adur District Council and Arun District Council.

It’s a great job for a senior reporter, or possibly an experienced trainee looking to take their next steps. These are newsy councils in the newsy coastal West Sussex patch and with the local government reorganisation process underway, there is never a shortage of things to report on.

We’re looking for someone who can communicate clearly, quickly and in an impartial manner primarily through writing but also using multimedia skills: video, social media and photography.

We’re looking for a self-starter who knows their way around local politics and is happy working on their own but you’ll also be part of the team of LDRs who work together on investigations and other joint projects.

You’ll have an eye for a story, and you’ll also make sure you can meet the standards set by the BBC’s Local News Partnership in terms of quality, consistency and legal accuracy. You will be a public ambassador for the project, and become a trusted source of news and information.

More information and a video of Local Democracy Reporters describing their work and their roles can be found here: https://www.bbc.com/lnp/ldrs/ldr_advice

Key responsibilities

• Deliver strong, multimedia content, focusing on text but also providing images, audio and video where possible.
• Write in a way which engages and drives audience including through Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and social media awareness
• Ensure all content, including social media activity, is politically neutral and provides a fair reflection of views
• Ensure agendas for councils and public bodies are scrutinised, identifying issues and stories which need to be brought to the public’s attention
• Working with local editors, identify which meetings need to be covered and reported on
• Build strong contacts for story gathering within local communities
• Be active on social media, in line with partnership policies and impartiality guidelines, to build audiences and communities
• Ensure all content produced has suitable metadata attached
• Deliver live coverage as and when required
• Be capable of two-way interviews for broadcast media

Key experience / characteristics

• Good writing skills, up-to-date legal knowledge, shorthand proficiency (e.g. 100 wpm)
• National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ) (or similar) qualification, or a minimum of two years’ experience as a reporter in a news environment is highly desirable
• Excellent communicator on social media
• Excellent at working under pressure and identifying priorities
• Self-starter
• Familiar with digital tools and techniques across a range of platforms
• Strong understanding of workings of and processes within local government
• Demonstrable experience of delivering great ideas for content
• Strong contact-building skills
• Proficiency taking images, shooting video and gathering audio

Does this sound like you? If yes then please hit the 'apply' button.

Please note successful candidates will be expected to work from the company's offices.

Iconic Media Group Ltd is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment as an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. Consideration will be given to flexible working and job share options for all roles.