Sports Reporter – Southampton

We’re looking for an energetic, dynamic Sports Reporter to join the Southern Daily Echo, covering Southampton FC and the wider local sporting scene.

This is a key role in our newsroom, focused on delivering high-quality, engaging coverage of Saints alongside grassroots and non-league sport across the patch.

You’ll be a talented writer with strong multimedia skills, confident in producing content across digital, video and social platforms.

Key Responsibilities

You will work alongside our Senior Sports Reporter and benefit from his mentoring.

A deep understanding of Southampton FC is essential, along with the drive to break stories, build contacts and provide insight that resonates with our loyal audience, including digital subscribers.

We’re looking for someone who can bring energy, authority and originality to their reporting both online and in print.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Demonstrable digital journalism experience in a fast-paced newsroom, with a strong track record
In-depth knowledge of Southampton FC and a keen interest in local sport at all levels
The ability to generate original story ideas and develop them into engaging content
Strong writing skills, from breaking news to in-depth features and analysis
Experience or confidence in video, audio and social storytelling, including filming and editing on mobile
The confidence to appear on short and long-form video, podcasts or live blogs when required
A solid understanding of social media platforms and how to grow and engage audiences
Knowledge of SEO and digital publishing best practice
An interest in football tactics, data or analysis, including the ability to produce insightful tactical analysis
Experience or enthusiasm for writing and growing newsletters
A relevant NCTJ-accredited journalism qualification or equivalent experience
The ability to support the wider newsroom with general news coverage when required

We want someone who can cover Southampton FC with authority and flair, while also shining a light on the wider local sports scene. You’ll be part of a busy, ambitious newsroom with a strong digital focus and a commitment to high-quality local journalism.

We are committed to developing journalists, and as such, you will be enrolled on an NCTJ-accredited programme, putting you on the path to qualify as a Senior Sports Reporter upon successful completion of your course.

This role reports directly to the Editor.

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.