Cover breaking news and produce high‑quality digital content across North and West Cumbria.
Contribute to reporting to the News & Star, Whitehaven News and Times & Star.
Develop strong relationships with local contacts and communities.
Use social media for newsgathering, engagement, relationship‑building and trend monitoring.
Utilise AI tools appropriately as part of the role.
Produce content ranging from live blogs and listicles to features and long reads.
Use analytics and digital tools to inform decisions and improve performance.
Work flexibly across early/late shifts and some weekends.
Spend time on patch gathering stories, and representing the newsroom.

Gold‑standard NCTJ qualification with 100wpm shorthand (or working towards/graduate level).
Strong digital journalism skills with a versatile, energetic writing style.
Ability to write quickly, accurately and under pressure.
Excellent understanding of what digital readers want from local news.
Strong social media awareness and passion for digital engagement.
Good knowledge of media law.
Ability to generate ideas and approach stories creatively.
Skilled at building and maintaining community and contact relationships.
Knowledge of SEO and its importance in digital publishing.
Confident using analytics to shape content.
Collaborative approach and ability to work well within a digital reporting team.
A driving licence and access to a car are preferred.

Reporter

Key skills