If you are a highly motivated, experienced multimedia reporter looking for a new challenge, then Tindle Newspapers has a fantastic opportunity for you.
Our newspapers are at the very heart of the communities they serve, and we are looking for a Chief Reporter, based in Farnham, to join our passionate community-based team. You will be motivated, enthusiastic and a real “people person”, with a nose for news.
Working across the Farnham Herald series and the Woking News & Mail, the role will lead our reporting across Surrey and Hampshire. This is a busy news patch and you will help to run the daily news operation, liaising with our digital editor and our reporters covering Alton, Bordon, Haslemere, Petersfield, Chobham, Farnham and Woking. Join us on our exciting digital transformation journey and help us grow our websites, social channels, and video offering!
Primary Tasks
- Supporting the Regional Digital Editor to deliver the agreed digital editorial strategy
- Using data and analytics to drive the content agenda, with the aim of increasing page views and engagement
- Building the brand’s digital presence
- Maintaining an on-the-ground point of contact for the general public
- Stand in for the Regional Digital Editor to take on appropriate responsibilities for your market in their absence
Key Responsibilities
- Having a digital-first mindset, ensuring all content is produced for online first with consideration given on the timing of when articles are published
- Compiling a daily news list from your team, to be discussed with the regional digital editor
- Assisting in overseeing the production of hyperlocal and engaging digital content, including ‘today’ stories, social media, live blogs and video content, by your team
- Being an active participant in and a promoter of all forms of social media – both personally and on behalf of your brand – including exploring new platforms as they emerge
- Producing engaging content which can be successfully monetised, working with commercial teams to maximise return
- Meeting minimum requirements for story / video / picture / live blog uploads both personally and oversee those of the team
- Stepping up to fulfil the Regional Digital Editor’s role for your series / brand in their absence
- Taking personal responsibility for driving the digital growth of your content
- Using analytics to help drive content production, with a firm understanding of how well both your stories and those of the team have performed – and areas for growth or follow-up
- In the absence of / in support of the Regional Digital Editor, liaise with the production hub to push through content to auto-pagination, and ensure there is sufficient content to complete the printed newspapers
- Advising production hub of key issues / lead issues to guide story placement
- Maximising interaction with online users and readers
- Participating in the Career Pathway, completing all mandatory training
- Acting as a mentor and support to other members of the news room
- Producing content that is legally sound and complies with the Editors’ Code of Practice
Experience and qualifications
- Journalism degree or diploma or equivalent, Media Studies qualification or NCTJ recognised qualification is essential
- Print and digital experience, including social media is essential
- Driver’s licence is essential
In return, you will get to work in a business that still values local news and invests in journalism. You will also get 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, enhanced sick pay, and access to a NEST Pension.