Reporter – Carlisle
The Carlisle‑based News & Star is looking for a digitally skilled, ambitious reporter who is passionate about storytelling and confident in presenting content across multiple platforms. You’ll cover breaking news and produce engaging content from across north and west Cumbria, with opportunities to contribute to the Whitehaven News and Times & Star.
A key part of the role is immersing yourself in social media, developing relationships, understanding what matters to local audiences and being open to using AI tools as part of your workflow. The role is primarily newsroom‑based in Carlisle, with flexibility for home working and the expectation to spend time on patch.
We welcome applications from fully qualified NCTJ reporters (gold-standard with 100wpm shorthand) or graduates seeking their first role in journalism.
Key Responsibilities
- Cover breaking news and produce high‑quality digital content across North and West Cumbria.
- Contribute to reporting to the News & Star, Whitehaven News and Times & Star.
- Develop strong relationships with local contacts and communities.
- Use social media for newsgathering, engagement, relationship‑building and trend monitoring.
- Utilise AI tools appropriately as part of the role.
- Produce content ranging from live blogs and listicles to features and long reads.
- Use analytics and digital tools to inform decisions and improve performance.
- Work flexibly across early/late shifts and some weekends.
- Spend time on patch gathering stories, and representing the newsroom.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Gold‑standard NCTJ qualification with 100wpm shorthand (or working towards/graduate level).
- Strong digital journalism skills with a versatile, energetic writing style.
- Ability to write quickly, accurately and under pressure.
- Excellent understanding of what digital readers want from local news.
- Strong social media awareness and passion for digital engagement.
- Good knowledge of media law.
- Ability to generate ideas and approach stories creatively.
- Skilled at building and maintaining community and contact relationships.
- Knowledge of SEO and its importance in digital publishing.
- Confident using analytics to shape content.
- Collaborative approach and ability to work well within a digital reporting team.
- A driving licence and access to a car are preferred.
We will be interviewing candidates as and when applications are received, so don’t delay in applying.
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.
