Job Description
Chief Reporter - Bournemouth
Application Deadline: 7 August 2026
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Bournemouth
Reporting To: Toby Granville
We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Reporter at the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
The Bournemouth Daily Echo is one of the most dynamic titles in Newsquest, where news rarely stops, and there’s always an opportunity to make an impact.
We’re looking for an experienced, NCTJ-qualified senior journalist with 100wpm shorthand, ready to take the next step in their career.
Key Responsibilities
This is a key position focused on high-impact, "depth" reporting. You’ll be responsible for delivering standout journalism that drives audience loyalty and subscriptions, including:
- Investigations and exclusive stories
- Generating front-page leads and major splashes
- Court and crime reporting
- Campaigns and experience-led content
- Human interest features
- Live blogs and breaking news coverage on location
- Video interviews and multimedia storytelling
- Patch reporting and local government coverage
- Building strong contacts and community relationships
This role is ideal for someone aspiring to become a News Editor. You will:
- Join the one-in-four weekend Editor rota
- Provide newsdesk and digital cover for the News Editor and Digital ACE when required
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- NCTJ-qualified journalist with 100wpm shorthand.
- Proven experience producing exclusive stories, investigations and high-impact content that resonates with local audiences.
- Strong news sense with the ability to identify and develop stories that drive readership, engagement and subscriptions.
- Excellent interviewing skills and the confidence to build and maintain a strong network of contacts across the community.
- Experience covering courts, crime, local government and other key public interest beats.
- Ability to thrive under pressure, react quickly to breaking news and meet deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom.
- Skilled in digital storytelling, including live blogging, video content and social media publishing.
- Confident using analytics and audience insight to inform content decisions and maximise reach.
- Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
- Ambitious, self-motivated and eager to develop towards a future News Editor position
Benefits
-
25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
-
Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
-
Structured career progression & ongoing training
-
Pension plan
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Employee Helpline counselling and advice
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Perks & discounts including:
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care
- Retail discounts
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Team building days & annual volunteer charity day
