News Reporter - The Dorset Echo

The Dorset Echo is looking for a digitally savvy, community-focused reporter to join our busy newsroom.

This is a great opportunity for a trainee or an early-career journalist to develop their skills across a lively patch, covering breaking news and producing engaging content for multiple platforms.

Our reporters work on a rota which includes some evenings and weekend shifts, with the expectation that major breaking news is covered, whatever the time of day.

Key Responsibilities

• Cover breaking news and produce engaging stories for digital audiences
• Build strong relationships on patch to source stories and reflect community interests
• Use social media to identify trends, engage audiences and promote content
• Produce a wide range of content, including live blogs, features and human-interest stories
• Cover key topics such as crime, local politics and community issues
• Work collaboratively with the wider digital reporting team
• Be open to using AI tools to support your work
• Attend events and report from across the patch where required

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Excellent writing skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work quickly and accurately
• Skilled at building relationships with key contacts
• Highly organised with strong time management
• Knowledge of SEO and media law
• Confident using social media and AI Tools (additional training will be provided)
• Adaptable writing style across different formats and platforms
• Ideally, NCTJ qualified or equivalent (including 100wpm shorthand). If you do not yet have shorthand, you must be willing to train towards it
• A full driving licence and access to a car are essential

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