Trainee Reporter - Dorset Echo

Newsquest Media Group; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Holiday buy scheme

Structured career progression

Pension plan

Employee helpline

Gym membership

Cycle to Work

Eye care

Retail discounts

Team building days

Volunteer charity day

Job summary

The Dorset Echo is looking for a driven Trainee Reporter to join our fast-paced digital newsroom, working on a shift pattern which can include early mornings, evenings and weekend shifts. You’ll be at the heart of our breaking news operation – reacting fast, filing clean copy at speed and helping us reach and engage a large online audience every day.

This entry‑level role is designed for someone who wants to start their career in journalism by working on our digital team, gaining hands-on

Qualifications

• NCTJ‑qualified or equivalent, with strong shorthand and media law.
• Proven ability to write quickly, accurately and cleanly to deadline in a live news environment.
• Confident in covering breaking news on the ground, including video and photography.
• Comfortable running live blogs and juggling multiple stories at once.
• Strong digital instincts – you understand what makes a story perform online and how to craft engaging headlines and social posts.
• An energetic self‑starter with excellent news sense, plenty of ideas and a willingness to work a variety of early, mid and late shifts.
• Confident using social media and AI Tools (additional training will be provided).
• A team player who can take direction, respond to feedback and thrive in a busy newsroom.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Dorset Echo team, producing breaking and trending news across our website and social platforms.
• File multiple stories a day to a high standard, with sharp headlines and engaging intros.
• Run live blogs on major incidents, weather events, traffic disruption, courts and council as required.
• Attend breaking news scenes, film video, capture pictures, and gather eyewitness accounts.
• Hit ambitious digital targets
• Help manage and update the homepage and key section fronts.
• Publish and promote content across social channels, writing engaging posts and monitoring performance.
• Use real-time analytics to shape coverage and spot opportunities to grow the audience.
• Use AI technology to assist you in this role.
• Ensure all content complies with media law and the IPSO Editors’ Code.

Skills

Shorthand

Media law

Quick writing

Live blogs

Video & photography

Headlines writing

Social media

AI tools

Self-starter

Team player

Early/mid/late shifts

Driving licence

Education

NCTJ-qualified or equivalent

Tools

Social media

AI Tools

Job description

Application Deadline: 15 September 2026

Department: Editorial

Location: Weymouth

The Dorset Echo

The Dorset Echo is looking for a driven Trainee Reporter to join our fast-paced digital newsroom, working on a shift pattern which can include early mornings, evenings and weekend shifts.

You’ll be at the heart of our breaking news operation – reacting fast, filing clean copy at speed and helping us reach and engage a large online audience every day.

This role is entry‑level and suits someone who wants to start their career in journalism by working on our digital team.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Dorset Echo team, producing breaking and trending news across our website and social platforms.


• File multiple stories a day to a high standard, with sharp headlines and engaging intros.


• Run live blogs on major incidents, weather events, traffic disruption, courts and council as required.


• Attend breaking news scenes, film video, capture pictures, and gather eyewitness accounts.


• Hit ambitious digital targets


• Help manage and update the homepage and key section fronts.


• Publish and promote content across social channels, writing engaging posts and monitoring performance.


• Use real‑time analytics to shape coverage and spot opportunities to grow the audience.


• Use AI technology to assist you in this role.


• Ensure all content complies with media law and the IPSO Editors’ Code.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• NCTJ‑qualified or equivalent, with strong shorthand and media law.


• Proven ability to write quickly, accurately and cleanly to deadline in a live news environment.


• Confident in covering breaking news on the ground, including video and photography.


• Comfortable running live blogs and juggling multiple stories at once.


• Strong digital instincts – you understand what makes a story perform online and how to craft engaging headlines and social posts.


• An energetic self‑starter with excellent news sense, plenty of ideas and a willingness to work a variety of early, mid and late shifts


• Confident using social media and AI Tools (additional training will be provided)


• A team player who can take direction, respond to feedback and thrive in a busy newsroom.

A driving licence and access to a car are essential.

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