About Company
The Eastbourne Herald has been the trusted voice of the Eastbourne community for over a century, delivering essential local news, features, and analysis. As part of National World Plc, one of the UK’s leading regional news publishers, we are deeply rooted in the heart of East Sussex, providing insightful coverage on local politics, community events, crime, business, and human interest stories that truly matter to our readers. Our commitment extends beyond print; we maintain a dynamic digital presence, ensuring our stories reach the widest possible audience through our website and social media channels. We pride ourselves on accuracy, impartiality, and a profound understanding of the unique fabric that makes Eastbourne such a vibrant place to live and work. Joining the Eastbourne Herald means becoming a vital part of a dedicated team passionate about local journalism and its crucial role in a democratic society.
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Job Description
Are you a passionate storyteller with a keen eye for detail and a burning desire to uncover the truth? The Eastbourne Herald is seeking a talented and driven Journalist to join our dedicated news team, serving the vibrant community of Eastbourne and the surrounding areas of East Sussex. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact by reporting on the issues and events that shape the lives of our readers, both in print and across our digital platforms.
As a Local Newspaper Journalist, you will be at the forefront of newsgathering, spending your days out in the community, building relationships with sources, attending council meetings, court hearings, and local events. You’ll be responsible for identifying compelling stories, conducting thorough research, and crafting engaging, accurate, and balanced reports that resonate with our diverse readership. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex topics with clarity, break down intricate details into accessible narratives, and isn’t afraid to ask tough questions when necessary.
Beyond traditional reporting, this role demands a journalist who is digitally savvy, capable of producing multimedia content including photographs and short videos for our website and social media channels. You’ll be expected to embrace the fast-paced nature of modern news, contributing to live blogs, social media updates, and online breaking news coverage while maintaining the highest journalistic standards. This position offers a chance to grow your skills, contribute meaningfully to public discourse, and become an integral part of Eastbourne’s narrative. If you thrive on variety, possess an insatiable curiosity, and are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful local journalism, we encourage you to apply.
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Key Responsibilities
- Identify, research, and report on local news stories, features, and investigations across Eastbourne and surrounding areas.
- Conduct interviews with individuals, community leaders, officials, and other key sources to gather information and perspectives.
- Write accurate, engaging, and impartial news reports, features, and opinion pieces for print and digital platforms, adhering to strict deadlines.
- Generate multimedia content, including high-quality photographs and short videos, to accompany stories online.
- Attend and report from public meetings, court proceedings, press conferences, and community events.
- Build and maintain a strong network of contacts within the local community.
- Monitor social media and other news sources for breaking stories and trending topics relevant to Eastbourne.
- Contribute to the newspaper's digital presence by updating the website, managing social media, and participating in live coverage.
- Adhere to journalistic ethics, media law, and the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) code of practice.
- Collaborate effectively with editors, photographers, and fellow journalists to produce compelling content.
Required Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with impeccable grammar and spelling.
- Strong news judgment and an ability to identify compelling stories.
- Proven research and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in digital content creation, including photography and basic video capture/editing.
- Solid understanding of journalistic ethics and media law.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for interviewing and building rapport with sources.
- Adaptability to new technologies and reporting methods.
- Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications
- NCTJ Diploma or equivalent professional journalism qualification.
- Degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field.
- Previous experience working in a local newspaper or regional news environment.
- Knowledge of the Eastbourne area and local community issues.
- Proficiency with content management systems (CMS) and social media platforms for news dissemination.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- A dynamic and supportive work environment.
- The chance to make a genuine impact on the local community.
- Access to industry-leading journalistic tools and resources.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click on the application link below. You will be directed to our careers portal where you can submit your CV, a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, and examples of your journalistic work (links to published articles, online portfolios, etc.). We look forward to reviewing your application and discovering how your passion for local news can contribute to the Eastbourne Herald.
