Local Democracy Reporter – Reading

Regional weeklies Bracknell News, Ascot News and Wokingham News are on the lookout for an outstanding reporter to cover politics in one of Newsquest’s fastest-growing newsrooms – as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.

Key Responsibilities

As a Local Democracy Reporter, you will get to cover local councils in Bracknell and Wokingham – working from our newsroom in Reading – and cover some of the biggest news stories.

This represents a rare opportunity to join one of the UK’s best titles and a leader for page views and subscriptions growth, with a strong following in print.

As a member of Newsquest, you will be part of a network of dozens of leading news brands across the country, providing 24/7 coverage of news, sport and showbiz to tens of millions of people.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

You will join a team with a track record of breaking agenda-setting council stories and play a vital role in supporting the BBC’s public journalism programme.

We need someone with excellent knowledge and passion for local government, as well as the ability to write engaging and sparkling copy.

The vacancy is available as part of the BBC-funded local democracy scheme and is ideal for a senior reporter looking to expand their career, but applications from outstanding newly-NCTJ qualified reporters will also be considered.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, meaning that your stories will be seen on a variety of sites and newspapers.

It’s a flexible role that requires covering council meetings, some of which are held in the evenings, but also provides a good work-life balance. A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.

Job Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great team on a competitive salary. Oxford is a brilliant place to live and work. This role creates an opportunity to hone your skills and learn from the best people across regional news and the BBC. As a Newsquest employee, you will also get:

· 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays AND your birthday off!

· Cycle-to-work scheme

· Employee rewards programme

· Cinema vouchers

· Discounted gym membership

· High street vouchers

· Virgin Media discount

The closing date for applications is September 11. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so submit your details as soon as possible.

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.