Local Democracy Reporter

NEWSQUEST MEDIA GROUP; Norwich; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional news organization in Norwich is seeking a Local Democracy Reporter to cover local councils and MPs, championing community concerns. The ideal candidate has a strong journalistic background, preferably with an NCTJ qualification. Key responsibilities include attending meetings, building community relations, and reporting accurately. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Continuous professional development

Impactful work in the community

Qualifications

• Proven experience in journalism with a focus on local news.
• Ability to work autonomously and meet tight deadlines.
• Driving licence and access to a car is required.

Responsibilities

• Attend and report on council meetings and decisions.
• Dive deep into local political stories for analysis.
• Build relationships with local officials and residents.

Skills

Journalistic passion

Exceptional writing and communication skills

Digital proficiency

Education

NCTJ qualification or equivalent

Tools

Social media

Job description

Overview

Local Democracy Reporter

Application Deadline: 2 October 2025

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Norwich

Reporting To: Jasper Copping

Description

Are you passionate about democracy and driven to make a real impact through your reporting? We are looking for a new local democracy reporter to cover our busy Norfolk news patch.

The role will see you hold the county's local councils and MPs to account and stand up for the interests of our communities.

As well as covering meetings and scouring agendas for news, we also expect you to go beyond that in your search for stories that will affect readers' lives.

This role is for a reporter who wants to make a difference, hold power to account and champion people's concerns and interests.

You will be based at our newsroom in Norwich and will be expected to attend council and public meetings both virtually and in person, as well as to go out and talk to people.

An ability to get around the patch is therefore essential.

The local democracy reporter scheme is funded via the BBC, but you will be employed by Newsquest and will be a key member of the EDP team.

Your copy will go out on a wire and will be available to various outlets, including the BBC.

This role is suitable for a qualified senior reporter or a trainee who has achieved (or is about to) their gold standard diploma, including 100wpm shorthand from the NCTJ or equivalent.

Key Responsibilities

• Illuminate Local Government: Attend and report on council meetings, decisions, and policies, bringing clarity and insight to complex issues.
• Investigative Excellence: Dive deep into local political stories, uncovering the truth and providing in-depth analysis that informs and engages our readers.
• Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with local government officials, community leaders, and residents, becoming a trusted voice in the community.
• Champion Fair Reporting: Ensure your stories are accurate, balanced, and fair, upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
• Collaborative Spirit: Work closely with fellow reporters and editors to deliver comprehensive and compelling coverage.
• Digital Savvy: Utilise social media and digital platforms to reach and engage with a wider audience, fostering a vibrant community dialogue.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Journalistic Passion: Proven experience in journalism, with a strong focus on local news and a deep understanding of local government and political processes.
• Exceptional Skills: Outstanding writing, research, and communication abilities.
• Independent Drive: Ability to work autonomously and thrive under tight deadlines.
• Digital Proficiency: Expertise in digital journalism and social media.
• Qualifications: NCTJ qualification or equivalent is highly desirable and includes shorthand
• A driving licence and access to a car will be required

Job Benefits

• Competitive Rewards: A competitive salary and benefits package that values your contributions, including a performance-based bonus.
• Growth Opportunities: Continuous professional development and career progression in a supportive environment.
• Impactful Work: The chance to make a tangible difference in the local community through your reporting.
• Collaborative Culture: A dynamic and collaborative workplace where your voice is heard and valued.

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.