Trainee Reporter

NEWSQUEST MEDIA GROUP; Basildon; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional news publisher in Basildon is seeking a Trainee Reporter to join their dynamic digital team. The role involves reporting on breaking news, engaging with the community, and contributing to both digital and print editions of the local newspaper. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and a proactive approach to journalism. This position offers a competitive salary, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, and structured career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Holiday buy scheme

Structured career progression

Pension plan

Mental health support

Gym membership

Cycle to Work scheme

Eye care vouchers

Retail discounts

Team building days

Annual volunteer charity days

Qualifications

• NCTJ qualification or equivalent is preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong understanding of social media trends.

Responsibilities

• Report on breaking news and trending stories.
• Create engaging content for digital platforms.
• Attend local events and produce relevant stories.
• Publish fast, accurate reports while developing features.

Skills

NCTJ qualification or equivalent

Ability to work quickly

Strong digital awareness

Excellent communication skills

Proactive approach to finding stories

Driving licence

Commitment to high standards

Job description

Trainee Reporter

Application Deadline: 25 December 2025

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Basildon

Reporting To: Michael Adkins

Description

We’re looking for trainee reporters in Basildon and Southend to join a dynamic digital team reporting on breaking news and trending stories. No day is the same on this busy news patch, where you’ll be part of a dedicated team setting the agenda with fast-paced, accurate responses to the news cycle.

This role will see you live blogging a breaking incident one minute, picking up a story that will fly on social the next, or getting out and about in the community to conduct interviews for stories that really matter to our audience. Your work will contribute to the daily editions of the Basildon and Southend Echo – the county’s best-selling newspaper.

You’ll receive training and support to help you qualify as a senior reporter and progress within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Report on breaking news, trending stories, and community events across Basildon and Southend.
• Live blog incidents and create engaging content for social and digital platforms.
• Attend council meetings, local events, and visit businesses to produce stories that matter to our audience.
• Work alongside digital reporters to publish fast, accurate stories while developing in-depth features.
• Optimise content for social media and search audiences.
• Ensure compliance with IPSO regulations and legal/ethical guidelines.
• Contribute to both digital platforms and print editions of the Echo.
• Participate in weekend work on a rota basis (not overly intrusive).

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• NCTJ qualification or equivalent.
• Ability to work quickly, accurately, and under pressure.
• Strong digital awareness and understanding of social media trends.
• Excellent communication and interviewing skills.
• A proactive approach to finding and developing stories.
• Driving licence required.
• Commitment to high standards of journalism and ethical reporting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan & mental health support
• Perks & discounts including:
  • Gym membership
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses)
  • Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity days.

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.