CLOSING DATE: February 2, 2018
Salary: Dependent on experience
Closing date: February 2, 2018
AS part of a UK‐wide ground‐breaking initiative between the BBC and regional publishers, Newsquest Scotland is seeking to recruit three Local Democracy Reporters, based in Glasgow and Greenock, initially on a two‐year fixed-term contract, covering three of Scotland’s biggest and busiest councils.
Working as part of the team at the Evening Times, Greenock Telegraph, and the Helensburgh Advertiser, the successful candidates will have the opportunity to comprehensively report on local government at the coal face, providing up-to-the-minute coverage in print and online with content published in titles across the region.
About the scheme:
This unique scheme is designed to increase coverage and scrutiny of local authorities across the UK.
Funded by the BBC and run by media publishers, the reporters will offer in‐depth coverage of our local authorities. The key aim will be to ensure deep scrutiny of the way our local government institutions operate, decisions they make and how they spend public money.
Successful applicants will play a vital part in launching the scheme and ensuring it is a success, with the aim of expanding in future years.
Acting as a trusted source of news and ambassador for the scheme, the successful applicant will be adept at identifying issues and stories buried in council agendas which need to be brought to the public’s attention.
Reporting to the local editor, this role offers the chance to get involved at the start of a high‐profile initiative and help shape the future of the scheme.
Key responsibilities will involve:
* Delivering strong content on a daily basis, primarily focusing on text but also providing images, audio and video as and when required;
* Creating engaging content which drives audience through SEO and social media awareness;
* Ensuring all content is politically‐neutral and balanced, providing a fair reflection of views;
* Ensuring agendas for councils and public bodies are scrutinised, identifying issues and stories which need to be brought to the public’s attention;
* Delivering live content, providing two‐way interviews for broadcast media;
* Providing monthly report on key issues and themes from public authorities for stakeholder media organisations; and
* Ensuring that all matters, decisions and issues relating to the public authorities covered in the Local Democracy Reporter Scheme Editorial Brief are covered in a timely, impartial and audience‐friendly way.
You:
To be considered for this role, you will ideally be qualified to NCE‐standard or equivalent with two years’ experience working to daily deadlines alongside shorthand proficiency of 100wpm.
This criteria will go hand in hand with your ability to provide outstanding content in text, audio and video format.
You will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the workings of local government and a track record of delivering great ideas for content and building contacts.
A solid working knowledge of social media and the way it can be used to drive audience and engagement is essential for this role.
You will be an excellent communicator, enjoy working under pressure and thrive on the unique challenge this role offers. Although based in the newsroom detailed above, you will be providing copy for all publishers signed up to the scheme.
Package description/important information:
This role is a two-year fixed-term contract. As part of this, the successful candidate can look forward to a competitive salary, holiday entitlement, pension scheme plus other benefits available to you as a Newsquest Scotland employee.
Newsquest Scotland is committed to equal opportunity for all. We may collect relevant data for monitoring as part of our candidate registration process.
Location: The vacancies are based in Glasgow and Greenock
Application: To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to Amanda.langton@bournemouthecho.co.uk.
Please ensure you include the application reference and location in your email.
Deadline for applications: Friday, February 2 2018
Contact: Amanda Langton
