Crime and court reporter

The Southern Daily Echo is looking for an exceptional journalist to become our court and crime reporter in Southampton.

This is one of the most important roles in the newsroom, and we want much more than someone who sits in court – we are looking for exclusive investigations, backgrounders, human interest stories and well-crafted news pieces around the big crime issues of the day, alongside the very best of what’s happening in the city’s busy crown court and magistrates’ court.

Our nationwide network of court and crime reporters are some of the best-performing journalists in the Newsquest group. This is your chance to join them.

By joining the Echo you will be part of the success of one of the UK’s best performing newspapers that is also among the fastest growing online.

You will be:

• Confident in getting the best out of the courts and challenging orders when necessary
• An experienced qualified reporter with a strong background in court coverage
• Brimming with ideas on how to tackle the remit and get the most out of it digitally
• Versatile, and as eager to cover a first appearance at magistrates’ court or join police on a raid as you are providing live coverage of a major crown court trial
• Fully across what digital readers want from court and crime coverage
• Clued up on the law and comfortable dealing with people outside of court
• Excellent at developing relationships with key contacts to improve coverage

The successful applicant for this role needs to be an enthusiastic self-starter who can find stories, make contacts and work well with our hard-working team.

Applicants should be fully NCTJ qualified – including 100wpm shorthand – and have experience covering the criminal courts.

Candidates must also hold a full, UK driving licence.

Newsquest Media Group is one of the UK's largest newspaper and website publishers. As well as a competitive salary, we also offer generous benefits including:  

• Contributory pension perks and discounts at various retail outlets  
• 25 days' paid holiday + statutory bank holidays + your birthday day off. 
• Structured career progression, ongoing training, and personal performance reviews  
• Discount vouchers  
•  Discounted gym membership  
• Cycle to work scheme  
• Mental health support via Lifeworks  
• Eye test vouchers plus £50 towards new glasses
• Annual Volunteer Charity Day  

Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Apply now or contact the Echo’s Editor Ben Fishwick via ben.fishwick@dailyecho.co.uk to discuss this opportunity.