Reporter – Andover Advertiser

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Reporter to join the Andover Advertiser, covering Andover and the wider Test Valley area.

We’re looking for a self-starter who is passionate about local journalism, enjoys building contacts and wants to be at the heart of the community. This is a truly varied reporting role covering local businesses, community events, crime, courts, politics, human interest stories and breaking news.

Based in our Andover office in the Chantry Centre, you’ll work alongside colleagues producing some of Hampshire’s leading local news brands, including the Hampshire Chronicle, Basingstoke Gazette, Romsey Advertiser and Salisbury Journal.

As part of one of the UK’s largest local news publishers, you’ll receive the support and development needed to progress your journalism career while helping deliver trusted local news across digital, social and print platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Source and produce engaging news, feature and community content for digital, social and print audiences.
Build and maintain strong relationships with contacts across the local community.
Attend events, meetings and breaking news incidents across the patch.
Conduct interviews and gather accurate information from a variety of sources.
Create multimedia content including photography and video.
Write clean, accurate and engaging copy to tight deadlines.
Use audience insights, SEO and social media to maximise reach and engagement.
Meet agreed productivity and audience targets.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

NCTJ Preliminary Diploma, including shorthand. Applications without this qualification cannot be considered.
Ideally senior-qualified, although exceptional trainee reporters looking for their first newsroom role will also be considered.
Strong news sense and the ability to identify stories that matter to local audiences.
Excellent writing, interviewing and communication skills.
Comfortable using social media and creating multimedia content.
Highly organised, motivated and able to work independently.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential due to the size and rural nature of the patch.
Willingness to work occasional weekends and early or late shifts.

What’s in it for you?

In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a quarterly bonus of up to 10% of salary for exceeding audience and productivity targets.

We also offer ongoing training, career development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package as part of Newsquest Media Group.

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.