Reporter
The Watford Observer is seeking an ambitious, digitally-focused reporter to join our newsroom.
We are looking for a journalist who can combine the speed and agility required for breaking news with the curiosity and determination needed to uncover exclusive stories, build community contacts and create original content that our competitors cannot match. This role is about being out on patch, talking to people, attending events, building relationships and producing high-impact local journalism.
You will use AI tools to help you work more efficiently, while harnessing your traditional journalism skills to carry out original newsgathering out on patch, developing contacts and capturing your own multimedia content. The successful candidate will be expected to break news, generate exclusive stories, produce digital-first content and tell stories using a range of formats including articles, live blogs, photography, video and social media.
The role will involve some remote working as well as regular days in our office on the outskirts of Watford.
The successful reporter will:
- Consistently break stories before competitors.
- Generate regular exclusives through strong contact-building and source development.
- Be highly visible on patch and deeply connected to the community.
- Produce outstanding original photography and video alongside written content.
- Use AI and digital tools to maximise efficiency and audience impact.
- Deliver strong audience growth through high-quality journalism.
- Uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and ethics.
Key Responsibilities
Breaking News
- Be first, fast and accurate on breaking news stories
- Produce live blogs and rolling coverage as stories develop.
- Monitor social media, emergency services and community groups to identify stories ahead of competitors.
- File updates from the scene of breaking news incidents.
Original Journalism
- Spend significant time on patch building contacts and uncovering exclusive stories.
- Generate strong story ideas from communities, businesses, schools and public organisations.
- Conduct interviews that add unique value and insight.
- Hold decision-makers to account through original reporting.
- Build a reputation as a trusted and visible journalist within the Watford community.
Multimedia Storytelling
- Capture high-quality photographs and videos while out reporting.
- Produce engaging video content for websites and social platforms.
- Ensure stories are visually compelling and supported by original imagery whenever possible.
- Reduce reliance on handouts and stock photography by creating original visual content.
AI and Digital Publishing
- Use approved AI tools responsibly to improve efficiency in research, drafting, content creation and publishing workflows.
- Use AI to identify trends, spot story opportunities and assist with background research.
- Employ strong editorial judgement to fact-check and verify all information produced with AI assistance.
- Use audience analytics, SEO tools and search trends to inform content decisions.
- Embrace new technologies and contribute ideas on how AI can help the newsroom work smarter and deliver greater audience impact.
- Maintain the highest standards of accuracy, ethics and compliance at all times
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent journalism experience.
- Excellent news sense and ability to identify stories that matter to local audiences.
- Strong interview and communication skills.
- Ability to work accurately under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Experience covering breaking news.
- Strong writing skills with the ability to produce clean, engaging copy quickly.
- Competence in using social media as a reporting tool.
- Ability to take photographs and basic video content on mobile devices.
- Understanding of digital publishing, SEO and audience engagement.
- Willingness to learn and adopt AI tools and emerging newsroom technologies.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car.
Desirable
- Experience using AI-assisted editorial tools.
- Video editing and social content creation skills.
- Knowledge of Watford and south-west Hertfordshire.
- Experience with live blogging and rolling news coverage.
- Proven track record of generating exclusive content.
- Shorthand at 100wpm and experience of covering court
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
