Crime & Court Reporter

Newsquest Media Group; Exeter; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional media outlet is seeking a dedicated court reporter to cover Crown and Magistrates' Court cases in Exeter. The role focuses on dynamic and investigative reporting, requiring NCTJ qualification and experience in criminal courts. Candidates need to deliver fast-paced coverage and possess creative storytelling skills.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of media law required.
• Must possess a versatile and energetic writing style.
• Experience in covering criminal courts is essential.
• Candidates must have 100wpm shorthand.

Responsibilities

• Cover Crown and Magistrates’ Court cases in the region.
• Challenge reporting restrictions and produce exclusive investigations.
• Deliver fast and dynamic coverage for readers.

Skills

Media law knowledge

Versatile writing style

Attention to detail

Quick thinking under pressure

Adaptable writing style

Creative storytelling ideas

People skills

Organisational skills

Education

NCTJ qualification

Job description

Overview

Application Deadline: 30 September 2025

Department: Editorial

Location: Exeter

Description

An opportunity has arisen for a dedicated court reporter to take part in an exciting collaboration between Newsquest and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The project involves appointing a dedicated reporter to cover Crown and Magistrates’ Court cases in the region, allowing the public to witness justice being carried out in their communities.

Key Responsibilities

The role will initially focus on proceedings in Exeter Crown Court, as well as a selection of Magistrates' Courts across Devon and Cornwall.

We want much more than someone who sits in court – we are looking for a challenger of reporting restrictions and producer of exclusive investigations, backgrounders, and well-crafted news pieces around the big crime issues of the day, alongside the very best of what’s happening in our courtrooms.

The right candidate will be delivering the sort of fast, agile, and dynamic coverage that readers expect and deserve.

You’ll be passionate about digital storytelling, with a desire to come up with new and innovative ways of telling those stories using a vast array of different skills, tools, and platforms.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Excellent knowledge of relevant media law
• A versatile, fresh and energetic writing style
• Exceptional attention to detail
• The ability to write – and think – quickly under pressure
• An adaptable style to produce everything from live blogs to long reads and features
• Bags of ideas for how stories can be presented in the best possible way for our audiences
• Great people skills and the ability to get on with a wide range of people in the criminal justice community
• A high level of organisation and the ability to manage your diary

Applicants must be fully NCTJ qualified – including 100wpm shorthand – and have experience covering the criminal courts. Candidates must also hold a full, clean UK driving licence.