CLOSING DATE: January 24, 2016
BUILDING on our agenda-setting coverage of the independence referendum and the general election, STV is expanding its politics news and comment offering.
As part of this development we have an excellent opportunity for a digital politics reporter.
This isn’t your average political reporter job.
We’re not looking for someone to camp out in the press gallery at Holyrood or hang around the city chambers picking up intrigue from loose-lipped councillors.
Familiarity with parliament or local government is welcome, as is a brimming contacts book.
But we want more than that. We need someone who can spot a political story and instinctively know the most interesting, compelling, original angle. And we don’t just mean in terms of content: you should be willing to try new formats and even devise a few of your own.
That means you have to be able to write fluently, quickly and accurately to a rolling deadline.
You will also be expected to pitch your own ideas and break stories before the rest of the news media catches up.
So, strong news judgement, solid political knowledge, and good communications skills are essential.
You will also have an acute understanding of the value of social media as a news-gathering tool.
This role is based in Glasgow and reports to the Digital Politics and Comment editor.
You will be part of our cross-platform news operation and play a key role in delivering Scotland’s leading politics and current affairs service, on air and online.
That sounds very management-speak, we know, but it’s true. You will be given significant responsibility and a lot will be required of you in return.
Key responsibilities
* News – breaking and writing high-quality politics and current affairs stories.
* Analysis – although this is predominantly a reporter role, there will be opportunities to write analysis. You should be able to construct commentary that brings even the driest political stories to life.
* Presentation – writing compelling copy and headlines that people want to click and share.
* Newsgathering – researching, verifying and sourcing online news material under pressure.
* Social media – using Twitter, Facebook and other platforms to gather news, promote content and engage with users.
* The bigger picture – participate as an integral part of the STV News broadcast and online politics team.
Skills and experience
* A journalism-related qualification is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate will have the right skills, ideas and attitude, not just the right letters after their name.
* Demonstrable experience in a fast-breaking news environment – gained in a broadcast, digital, print, radio or agency newsroom. Your experience doesn’t quite fit this but you think you’re right for the role? Apply and tell us why.
* Established social media presence and an understanding of how to use modern journalism tools.
* Excellent communication skills to provide the link between broadcast and online as well as politics and news.
* Strong grasp of Scottish politics and current affairs. You don’t need to be a total anorak but you should know your Stewart McDonald from your Stuart McDonald.
* Understanding of the law, ethics and regulation of digital journalism.
STV News is Scotland’s leading commercial news service, producing content for five million users every month. If you would like to play a part in one of the biggest and most exciting new projects in Scottish journalism, we’d love to hear from you.
Early applications are encouraged and due to the anticipated high volume of applications received only candidates who have been shortlisted for interview will be contacted further in this regard.
To apply, please send a full CV and covering letter to hr@stv.tv
Contact: Human Resources
Email: hr@stv.tv
Website: http://www.stvplc.tv/careers/150
