Trainee Reporter

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

Job summary

A leading media organization is seeking an ambitious trainee reporter to join their team in Bournemouth. This role offers the opportunity to cover engaging stories in the BCP area and the rest of Dorset, while honing your skills in digital storytelling. Candidates should have NCTJ qualifications and a passion for delivering compelling journalism. Competitive salary and excellent benefits offered, including 25 days holiday plus additional perks.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off

Holiday buy scheme

Structured career progression

Pension plan

Mental health support

Gym membership

Cycle to Work scheme

Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses)

Retail discounts

Team building days

Annual volunteer charity day

Responsibilities

• Cover the BCP area and wider Dorset, producing engaging stories.
• Find exclusives, cover breaking news, and develop contacts for stories.
• Experiment with new storytelling techniques beyond traditional reporting.
• Contribute to the Echo’s digital growth while maintaining high journalism standards.

Skills

Gold standard NCTJ qualification with shorthand

Full driving license

Passion for digital storytelling

Strong news sense

Ability to work under pressure

Ambition to develop as a reporter

Job description

Application Deadline: 16 December 2025

Department: Editorial

Location: Bournemouth

Description

The Bournemouth Echo is seeking an ambitious trainee reporter to join our team. For more than 125 years, the Echo has been setting the agenda with hard-hitting journalism, and an opportunity has arisen for a dedicated reporter to join us. You will cover the vibrant patches of the BCP area, as well as the rest of Dorset, using your passion for digital storytelling to unearth fresh and exciting stories. The Echo is thriving with a fast-growing digital audience, but at our heart is amazing journalism you can trust. This is your chance to play a part in writing the next chapter of our history.

Key Responsibilities

• Cover the BCP area and wider Dorset, producing engaging stories across multiple formats.
• Find exclusives, cover breaking news and events, and develop contacts to dig out stories.
• Experiment with new storytelling techniques and formats beyond traditional reporting.
• Contribute to the Echo’s digital growth while maintaining high standards of trusted journalism.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Gold standard NCTJ qualification with 100 words per minute shorthand.
• Full driving licence and access to a car (essential).
• Passion for digital storytelling and willingness to try new approaches.
• Strong news sense and ability to work under pressure to deliver breaking news.
• Ambition and enthusiasm to develop as an outstanding trainee reporter.

Job 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 day