Job Description
News Reporter - Swindon
Application Deadline: 17 August 2026
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Swindon
Reporting To: Daniel Chipperfield
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious News Reporter to join our high-performing newsroom, covering one of the most dynamic patches in the region.
This is a fast-paced role where no two days are the same. You’ll be at the forefront of breaking news, court reporting, community stories and in-depth features, producing content that informs, engages and resonates with local audiences across Swindon and Wiltshire.
Working as part of a supportive and driven team, you will help deliver digital-first journalism across our websites and social platforms, playing a key role in ensuring we tell the stories that matter most to our communities.
This role is open to senior journalists looking for a fresh and bigger challenge as well as trainee reporters entering the industry for the first time.
Key Responsibilities
- Report on breaking news, crime, courts, local politics and community issues
- Identify and develop exclusive stories, features and human-interest content
- Produce accurate, engaging and balanced journalism to tight deadlines
- Ensure all content is written and presented in a digital-first way, optimised for online audiences
- Build strong contacts across the patch, including emergency services, councils and community groups
- Use social media to source stories, engage readers and promote content
- Work closely with editors and colleagues to deliver impactful coverage
- Contribute ideas to content planning and help shape daily news agendas
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Passionate about journalism and committed to high editorial standards
- Digitally skilled, with a strong understanding of how audiences consume news online
- A confident writer with the ability to produce clear, engaging copy
- Highly organised, able to work quickly and accurately under pressure
- Proactive, curious and full of ideas for stories and content
- Comfortable using social media as a reporting and publishing tool
- A strong communicator, able to build and maintain professional relationships
- A journalism qualification (NCTJ or equivalent) or relevant experience
- Knowledge of media law, IPSO regulations and ethical reporting standards
- Experience working in a newsroom or similar environment (desirable but not essential)
- A Driver's Licence and your own car
Job Benefits
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25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
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Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
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Structured career progression & ongoing training
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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