The Dorset Echo is looking for a driven Trainee Reporter to join our fast‑paced digital newsroom, working on a shift pattern which can include early mornings, evenings and weekend shifts.
You’ll be at the heart of our breaking news operation – reacting fast, filing clean copy at speed and helping us reach and engage a large online audience every day.
This role is entry-level and suits someone who wants to start their career in journalism by working on our digital team.
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Work as part of the Dorset Echo team, producing breaking and trending news across our website and social platforms.
- File multiple stories a day to a high standard, with sharp headlines and engaging intros.
- Run live blogs on major incidents, weather events, traffic disruption, courts and council as required.
- Attend breaking news scenes, film video, capture pictures, and gather eyewitness accounts.
- Hit ambitious digital targets
- Help manage and update the homepage and key section fronts.
- Publish and promote content across social channels, writing engaging posts and monitoring performance.
- Use real‑time analytics to shape coverage and spot opportunities to grow the audience.
- Use AI technology to assist you in this role.
- Ensure all content complies with media law and the IPSO Editors’ Code.
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NCTJ‑qualified or equivalent, with strong shorthand and media law.
- Proven ability to write quickly, accurately and cleanly to deadline in a live news environment.
- Confident in covering breaking news on the ground, including video and photography.
- Comfortable running live blogs and juggling multiple stories at once.
- Strong digital instincts – you understand what makes a story perform online and how to craft engaging headlines and social posts.
- An energetic self‑starter with excellent news sense, plenty of ideas and a willingness to work a variety of early, mid and late shifts
- Confident using social media and AI Tools (additional training will be provided)
- A team player who can take direction, respond to feedback and thrive in a busy newsroom.
A driving licence and access to a car are essential.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
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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
We are a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. Our sales teams provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions.
We are one of the largest regional news publishers in the UK and have a portfolio of more than 250+ local news brands and magazines online and in print. With an online audience of 41 million users a month and 7 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population.
In addition to our local news brands, we own several digital pure play and specialist media businesses such as s1jobs and s1homes, Exchange & Mart, and Newsquest Specialist Media. We also own LOCALiQ, an award-winning digital marketing agency that specialises in driving more leads, increasing online growth and generating return on marketing investment on behalf of thousands of UK SMBs.
