Reporter – Watford Observer

The Watford Observer is looking for a talented Reporter to join its newsroom, covering one of the busiest and most diverse patches in Hertfordshire.

You’ll be responsible for finding and breaking stories that matter to local communities, covering everything from major news and court cases to community issues and entertainment. Working as part of an experienced editorial team, you’ll create engaging digital content, build strong local contacts and help grow our audience across multiple platforms.

Alongside traditional reporting, you’ll use modern newsroom tools, including AI-assisted technology, to help research, organise and produce content more efficiently while applying your own journalistic expertise and news judgement.

You will be required to use multimedia storytelling techniques, including filming video and presenting to camera

This role is part of a rota covering early and late shifts as well as weekends.

Key Responsibilities

Source and deliver exclusive stories, breaking news and engaging local content
Cover news as it happens through live blogs and fast-moving digital coverage
Build and maintain a strong network of contacts across the Watford area
Create engaging content that grows audience reach and reader engagement
Ensure all content meets the highest standards of accuracy, media law and the Editors’ Code of Conduct
Use newsroom technology and AI-assisted tools to support efficient content creation
Use multimedia storytelling techniques including filming video and presenting to camera
Upload, publish and manage content across digital platforms
Monitor audience performance and use data to help inform content decisions
Meet page view and audience growth targets

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

NCTJ Diploma or equivalent qualification
Excellent writing, interviewing and news gathering skills
Strong news sense and an ability to identify stories that matter to local audiences
Good understanding of media law and the Editors’ Code of Conduct
Ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines
Strong digital journalism skills, including live reporting and social media
Comfortable using digital tools and technology to enhance content creation
A proactive and self-motivated approach to newsgathering

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.