Job Description

Trending Reporter - London

Application Deadline: 27 October 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London - Queens House

Reporting To: Simon Murfitt

Description

Newsquest London is looking for a digitally-focused Trending Reporter to help drive audience growth across our portfolio of leading local news brands, including News Shopper, Romford Recorder, Your Local Guardian and other titles across the capital.

This is a fast-paced role focused on identifying what people are talking about, searching for and engaging with online right now, then quickly turning those topics into high-quality content for our websites and social channels.

The successful candidate will have an instinct for spotting emerging trends, understanding audience interests and creating content that attracts readers through search, social media, Google Discover and other digital platforms. They will be expected to produce a high volume of stories while maintaining accuracy, strong editorial standards and audience-focused journalism.

AI will be at the heart of this role. The successful candidate must be enthusiastic about using AI-powered tools to identify trending topics, generate story ideas, conduct research, improve efficiency and assist with article drafting. Just as importantly, they will need to continually test, learn and adopt new AI technologies as they emerge, helping Newsquest London stay at the forefront of digital publishing innovation.

]This position would suit a highly organised journalist who thrives under pressure, embraces new technology and enjoys working at speed in a constantly changing news environment.

Key Responsibilities

Trending Content

• Identify emerging trends, viral topics and breaking online conversations relevant to London audiences.
• Monitor Google Trends, social media platforms, search data and other audience intelligence tools throughout the day.
• Quickly create engaging content around trending topics while ensuring accuracy and editorial integrity.
• Spot opportunities before competitors and publish content at speed.
• Adapt coverage as audience interests change throughout the day.

Audience Growth

• Produce content designed to perform strongly in search, Google Discover and social media feeds.
• Write compelling headlines and intros that maximise readership.
• Use audience analytics to inform commissioning and publishing decisions.
• Develop an understanding of what drives traffic, engagement and reader loyalty across Newsquest London's titles.

AI-Assisted Journalism

• Use AI tools to generate story ideas, analyse trends, conduct research and draft content efficiently.
• Continuously evaluate and adopt new AI technologies that can improve newsroom workflows.
• Share best practice and learning with colleagues.
• Work creatively and responsibly with AI while maintaining journalistic accuracy, transparency and editorial standards.
• Develop expertise in emerging AI tools and identify opportunities to improve productivity.

Content Production

• Produce a high volume of accurate, engaging articles each day.
• Update and optimise existing content as stories develop.
• Work collaboratively with audience editors and reporters across multiple titles.
• Repurpose content into different formats to maximise audience reach.
• Ensure all content is optimised for digital performance.
• Find and obtain video content to publish on social media pages

News Awareness

• Maintain a strong understanding of national, regional and local news agendas.
• Understand how national trends can be localised for audiences across London.
• React quickly to unexpected developments and changing audience behaviours.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• NCTJ qualification or equivalent journalism experience.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Strong understanding of digital publishing and audience development.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Excellent news judgement and editorial decision-making skills.
• Experience using social media professionally.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• An analytical mindset with an interest in audience data and trends.
• Enthusiasm for AI and emerging technology.
• Ability to learn new tools, platforms and workflows rapidly.
• A willingness to experiment, test and innovate.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan
• Employee Helpline counselling and advice
• Perks & discounts including:
• Gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care
• Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day