News Editor - Somerset

Newsquest; Taunton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Birthday off

Pension plan

Employee Helpline counselling and adv

Perks & discounts

Job summary

Newsquest Taunton seeks a skilled News Editor to drive the daily news operation, ensuring reporters are working on the strongest stories and delivering timely, original and engaging journalism for our audiences.

The News Editor has particular responsibility for the daily news agenda, story development and management of reporters.

You will lead editorial priorities, work closely with Editors, utilise digital storytelling and AI tools, and ensure quality across online and print platforms.

Qualifications

• Strong news judgment to identify the biggest stories for audiences.
• Experience leading reporters with coaching and feedback.
• Excellent editing and proofreading aligned with editorial standards and media law.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced newsroom.
• Strong forward planning and diary management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily news agenda and prioritise strong stories for audiences.
• Allocate stories and manage newsroom resources for original journalism.
• Maintain the daily newslist and forward diary, track breaking news.
• Line manage reporters, provide coaching and editorial feedback.
• Proofread and edit copy for publication online and in print.
• Support reporters with investigations and complex stories.
• Encourage digital storytelling, social media, AI and newsroom tools.
• Collaborate with Editor and Assistant Editor on priorities and campaigns.
• Write and publish stories during breaking news or busy periods.

Skills

News judgment

Managing reporters

Editing & proofreading

Multitasking

Organisational skills

Digital storytelling

Social media

AI tools

Driving licence

Education

NCTJ qualification

Job description

News Editor - Somerset

Application Deadline: 3 November 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Taunton

Reporting To: Jessica Chaffey

Description

Newsquest Taunton seeks a skilled News Editor to drive the daily news operation, ensuring reporters are working on the strongest stories and delivering timely, original and engaging journalism for our audiences.

The News Editor has particular responsibility for the daily news agenda, story development and management of reporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the daily news agenda, ensuring reporters are focused on the strongest stories and priorities for our audiences.
• Allocate stories and manage newsroom resources to deliver a strong and consistent flow of original journalism across our titles.
• Maintain the daily newslist and forward diary, identifying opportunities from breaking news, diary events, court cases, council meetings and other developments.
• Track and develop stories throughout the day, ensuring key content is followed up, strengthened and published promptly.
• Line manage reporters, providing support, coaching, training and regular editorial feedback to help them develop and perform effectively.
• Proofread and edit copy for publication online and in print, ensuring content is accurate, clear, legally sound and meets editorial standards.
• Support reporters with interviews, investigations and complex stories, regularly discussing story ideas, angles and developments.
• Encourage effective use of digital storytelling, social media, AI and other newsroom tools.
• Work closely with the Editor and Assistant Editor on editorial priorities and campaigns, ensuring the newsroom responds quickly and effectively to breaking news.
• Write and publish stories when required, particularly during breaking news, busy periods or when additional newsroom support is needed.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify the biggest stories for our audiences.
• Experience managing reporters and supporting their development through coaching and feedback.
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills, with a strong understanding of editorial standards and media law.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced newsroom environment.
• Strong organisational skills and experience of planning and managing a forward news diary.
• Confident using digital storytelling techniques, social media, AI and newsroom tools.
• NCTJ qualification, or equivalent journalism qualification and experience.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

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