Local Democracy Reporter – Blackburn

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

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.