Job Title: Crime Reporter
Department: Editorial
Responsible to: Chief Reporter

Main Objectives:

  • Writing and organising news stories, building effective links and contacts with police to ensure the Gazette is first with the news. To source and write features and news backgrounders, using off-diary initiative. The post holder will suggest ideas for and be prepared to lead campaigns. The post holder may also be asked to take pictures as appropriate.


Job requirements :

  • To accept training and guidance from news editors, chief reporters and other senior journalists.
  • To write news copy in accordance with Echo Newspapers practice and style.
  • To ensure that highest standards are maintained at all times, both inside and outside the office.
  • To produce fast, accurate copy from any job assigned to.
  • To take photographs if required.
  • To aid Newsquest’s other media businesses, e.g. web sites, broadcasting.

 Job Requirements

  • To produce at least two leads a day, one with a picture. One of those should be sourced from contacts or off-diary initiative and at least six other items each day. Two news feature each month (with pictures) should also be produced.
  • The post holder will ensure all stories are followed up and developed appropriately. He/she must work with the court reporter to ensure court appearances are followed-up and news backgrounders prepared as appropriate.
  • The job holder will largely work off diary and will be expected to make effective use of their time. He/she must keep newsdesk informed of progress on stories.
  • To lead by example, encouraging and guiding other reporters.
  • To be prepared to take on special assignments as required and the role may involve working unsociable hours at short notice.
  • To cultivate close links with contacts including Essex Police, the police authority and associated agencies to ensure the Gazette is kept as market leader by being first with the news.
  • To work on any Newsquest title if required, in any newsroom.
  • To uphold and demonstrate the highest editorial standards and to lead by example.
  • To act as a good ambassador for the company at all times.
  • To be willing to aid Newsquest's other media businesses such as websites and broadcasting.
  • To broaden knowledge of the company's newspapers in line with the published skills audit.

This job description summarises the main aspect of the job, but it does not cover all the duties that the jobholder may be required to perform. Therefore, the job description is a minimum standard. It is not a statement of all that the job does or may entail. It is not intended to restrict the scope of the job but clearly to define its starting point.

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