Breaking News Reporter – London
Newsquest London is looking for an ambitious and driven breaking news reporter to help lead our live news coverage across the capital.
This is a fast-paced digital role at the heart of our newsroom, responding to major incidents such as crime, transport disruption and developing stories as they happen.
The successful candidate will combine strong traditional news judgement with a confident, responsible use of AI tools to improve speed, accuracy and efficiency – while always maintaining the highest standards of journalism.
They will be excellent at using social media to find pictures and video of live incidents, as well as getting quotes and taking their own video from the scene, including being in front of the camera on Facebook Live.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, report and publish breaking news stories across London quickly, accurately and responsibly
- React to live incidents and ongoing developing stories, providing rolling updates as situations evolve
- Use AI tools to speed up background research and writing copy and headlines, all with strong editorial oversight
- Source stories through social media, emergency services updates, contacts on the ground and verified tip-offs
- Attend incidents in person, including door-knocking and scene reporting to get quotes from witnesses
- Shoot video of live incidents to be used in coverage, including presenting Facebook Live videos to camera
- Write clear, compelling and legally sound copy at speed for digital audiences
- Use analytics and audience data to inform story framing, headlines and follow-up coverage
- Publish content efficiently across our CMS, social platforms and newsletters
- Work closely with editors, fellow reporters and newsroom teams to maximise reach and impact
- Take part in a rota covering early starts, late finishes and weekends
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Strong news sense and the ability to spot and prioritise breaking stories
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent
- Ability to work calmly and accurately under intense time pressure
- Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
- A nous for using social media to find stories and verify content
- Confidence shooting and presenting video to camera
- Solid understanding of UK media law and the Editors’ Code of Practice
- Willingness to work shifts, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
- Openness to using AI tools as part of a modern newsroom workflow
Desirable:
- Experience in a digital or breaking news environment
- Knowledge of SEO and Google Trends
- Familiarity with analytics platforms and audience metrics
- Experience live-blogging or running rolling news articles
Benefits
- A frontline role in a busy, digital newsroom
- Opportunities to develop both journalistic and technical skills, including AI-assisted reporting
- A supportive, ambitious team environment
- Hybrid working with regular time in our central London office
- The chance to help shape the future of digital and breaking news journalism at Newsquest
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression & ongoing training
- Pension plan
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice
- Perks & discounts including:
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care
- Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day
About Newsquest Media Group
We are a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. Our sales teams provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions.
We are one of the largest regional news publishers in the UK and have a portfolio of more than 250+ local news brands and magazines online and in print. With an online audience of 41 million users a month and 7 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population.
In addition to our local news brands, we own several digital pure play and specialist media businesses such as s1jobs and s1homes, Exchange & Mart, and Newsquest Specialist Media. We also own LOCALiQ, an award-winning digital marketing agency that specialises in driving more leads, increasing online growth and generating return on marketing investment on behalf of thousands of UK SMBs.
