Reporter – Leigh Journal

Are you a talented journalist with a passion for digital storytelling and a knack for finding the stories that matter most to local communities?

The Leigh Journal is looking for an ambitious and digitally skilled reporter to join our award-winning newsroom based in Warrington. This is an exciting opportunity to cover one of Greater Manchester’s most vibrant and fast-moving patches while helping to shape the future of trusted local journalism.

You’ll be responsible for delivering engaging content across our digital platforms, covering everything from breaking news and local politics to crime, community campaigns, human interest features and the issues that matter most to readers in Leigh.

At Newsquest, we’re investing in trusted local journalism and giving reporters the tools they need to make an impact. You’ll join a supportive newsroom environment with opportunities to develop your skills, grow your career and tell the stories that matter most to local people.

This hybrid role combines time in our Warrington newsroom, reporting across Leigh and the surrounding communities, and flexible home working.

Key Responsibilities

Covering breaking news and producing accurate, engaging content for digital audiences.
Generating exclusive stories and features that reflect life in Leigh and the surrounding area.
Building strong relationships with local contacts, organisations and communities.
Identifying stories through social media, audience engagement and on-the-ground reporting.
Producing content in a variety of formats, including live blogs, news reports, features and multimedia.
Creating content that is optimised for online audiences through SEO best practices.
Contributing to print editions where required.
Working closely with editors and fellow reporters to develop original journalism that makes a difference.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

NCTJ-qualified (or working towards qualification) with excellent news judgement.
Passionate about digital journalism and local news.
A confident self-starter who can manage their own workload and diary.
Skilled at finding stories and developing contacts.
Comfortable working under pressure and meeting deadlines.
Experienced in using social media as a reporting tool.
Knowledgeable about media law and journalistic ethics.
An excellent writer with strong attention to detail.
Familiar with SEO and audience-focused digital publishing.
Willing to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable.

To apply, please send your CV, covering letter and examples of your published work.

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.