Local Democracy Reporter

Local Democracy Reporter - Black Country

Salaries starting from £22,000 per annum

Flexible Working / Job Share considered

As part of a UK-wide ground-breaking initiative between the BBC and regional publishers, we are seeking to recruit a Local Democracy Reporter based in the Black Country, initially for a two-year period.

About the Scheme:

This unique scheme is designed to increase coverage and scrutiny of local authorities across the UK. Funded by the BBC and run by media publishers, the reporter will offer in-depth coverage of our local authorities. The key aim will be to ensure deep scrutiny of the way our local government institutions operate, decisions they make and how they spend public money. Successful applicants will play a vital part in launching the scheme and ensuring it is a success, with the aim of expanding it in future years. Acting as a trusted source of news and ambassador for the scheme, the successful applicant will be adept at identifying issues and stories buried in council agendas which need to be brought to the public’s attention. Reporting to the local Editor, this role offers the chance to get involved at the start of a high-profile initiative and help shape the future of the scheme

The newsroom:

Coventry is a busy and thriving digital-first newsroom just outside the city centre. We have one of the fastest growing websites in Trinity Mirror and punch well above our weight to outperform many of our peers. We also produce three print editions six days a week. Birmingham is a vibrant digital-first newsroom serving the UK’s second city and wider region with a team of highly-skilled multimedia journalists. We are innovative, fast-paced and constantly evolving to ensure we keep our status as one of the fastest-growing news websites in the UK. We also produce the Birmingham Mail, Birmingham Post and Sunday Mercury print products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering strong content on a daily basis, primarily focusing on text but also providing images, audio and video as and when required
• Creating engaging content which drives audience through SEO and social media awareness
• Ensuring all content is politically-neutral and balanced, providing a fair reflection of views
• Ensuring agendas for councils and public bodies are scrutinised, identifying issues and stories which need to be brought to the public’s attention
• Delivering live content, providing two-way interviews for broadcast media
• Providing monthly report on key issues and themes from public authorities for stakeholder media organisations
• Ensuring that all matters, decisions and issues relating to the public authorities covered in the Local Democracy Reporter Scheme Editorial Brief are covered in a timely, impartial and audience-friendly way

The Ideal Candidate

To be considered for this role, you will ideally be qualified to NCE-standard or equivalent with two years experience working to daily deadlines alongside shorthand proficiency of 100wpm. This desirable criteria will go hand in hand with your ability to provide outstanding content in text, audio and video format. You will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the workings of local government and a track record of delivering great ideas for content and building contacts. A solid working knowledge of social media and the way it can be used to drive audience and engagement is essential for this role. You will be an excellent communicator, enjoy working under pressure and thrive on the unique challenge this role offers.

Package Description

In addition to competitive salaries and a contributory pension scheme, Reach pic offer a whole host of voluntary flexible benefits. These include a car scheme, holiday purchase, childcare vouchers, cycle scheme, staff discounts, season tickets & parking loans and an employee assistance programme.

We are committed to equal opportunity for all. We may collect relevant data for monitoring as part of our candidate registration process. We will be reviewing applications as they are received so please don’t delay in submitting your application

Closing Date: 02.07.18