Local Democracy Reporter - Reading

Newsquest; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional news organization is seeking a Local Democracy Reporter to cover local councils and significant stories. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and a chance to grow in a dynamic team. Ideal for those passionate about local government with strong writing skills. Enjoy perks like annual leave, cycle-to-work scheme, and gym membership discounts.

Benefits

25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee rewards programme

Cinema vouchers

Discounted gym membership

High street vouchers

Virgin Media discount

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge and passion for local government.
• Ability to write engaging and sparkling copy.
• Flexibility to cover evening council meetings.

Responsibilities

• Cover local councils in Bracknell and Wokingham.
• Report on significant news stories.
• Support the BBC’s public journalism programme.

Skills

Knowledge of local government

Engaging writing ability

Clean UK driving licence

Education

NCTJ qualification or equivalent

Job description

Local Democracy Reporter - Reading

Application Deadline: 11 September 2025

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Reading

Reporting To: Andrew Colley

Description

Regional weeklies Bracknell News, Ascot News and Wokingham News are on the lookout for an outstanding reporter to cover politics in one of Newsquest’s fastest-growing newsrooms – as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.

Key Responsibilities

As a Local Democracy Reporter, you will get to cover local councils in Bracknell and Wokingham – working from our newsroom in Reading – and cover some of the biggest news stories.

This represents a rare opportunity to join one of the UK’s best titles and a leader for page views and subscriptions growth, with a strong following in print.

As a member of Newsquest, you will be part of a network of dozens of leading news brands across the country, providing 24/7 coverage of news, sport and showbiz to tens of millions of people.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

You will join a team with a track record of breaking agenda-setting council stories and play a vital role in supporting the BBC’s public journalism programme.

We need someone with excellent knowledge and passion for local government, as well as the ability to write engaging and sparkling copy.

The vacancy is available as part of the BBC-funded local democracy scheme and is ideal for a senior reporter looking to expand their career, but applications from outstanding newly-NCTJ qualified reporters will also be considered.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, meaning that your stories will be seen on a variety of sites and newspapers.

It’s a flexible role that requires covering council meetings, some of which are held in the evenings, but also provides a good work-life balance. A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.

Job Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great team on a competitive salary. Oxford is a brilliant place to live and work. This role creates an opportunity to hone your skills and learn from the best people across regional news and the BBC. As a Newsquest employee, you will also get:

· 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays AND your birthday off!

· Cycle-to-work scheme

· Employee rewards programme

· Cinema vouchers

· Discounted gym membership

· High street vouchers

· Virgin Media discount

The closing date for applications is September 11. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so submit your details as soon as possible.