News Reporter – Swindon

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious News Reporter to join our high-performing newsroom, covering one of the most dynamic patches in the region.

This is a fast-paced role where no two days are the same. You’ll be at the forefront of breaking news, court reporting, community stories and in-depth features, producing content that informs, engages and resonates with local audiences across Swindon and Wiltshire.

Working as part of a supportive and driven team, you will help deliver digital-first journalism across our websites and social platforms, playing a key role in ensuring we tell the stories that matter most to our communities.

This role is open to senior journalists looking for a fresh and bigger challenge as well as trainee reporters entering the industry for the first time.

Key Responsibilities

Report on breaking news, crime, courts, local politics and community issues
Identify and develop exclusive stories, features and human-interest content
Produce accurate, engaging and balanced journalism to tight deadlines
Ensure all content is written and presented in a digital-first way, optimised for online audiences
Build strong contacts across the patch, including emergency services, councils and community groups
Use social media to source stories, engage readers and promote content
Work closely with editors and colleagues to deliver impactful coverage
Contribute ideas to content planning and help shape daily news agendas

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Passionate about journalism and committed to high editorial standards
Digitally skilled, with a strong understanding of how audiences consume news online
A confident writer with the ability to produce clear, engaging copy
Highly organised, able to work quickly and accurately under pressure
Proactive, curious and full of ideas for stories and content
Comfortable using social media as a reporting and publishing tool
A strong communicator, able to build and maintain professional relationships
A journalism qualification (NCTJ or equivalent) or relevant experience
Knowledge of media law, IPSO regulations and ethical reporting standards
Experience working in a newsroom or similar environment (desirable but not essential)
A Driver’s Licence and your own car

Job Benefits

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.