Reporter

We are looking for a new reporter to join our Andover newsroom. 

A rare opportunity has arisen for a three-day a week reporter on the Andover Advertiser.  

Reporting for the Andover Advertiser, you will primarily be covering Andover and the surrounding Test Valley area.  

The role requires a self-starter - someone who is willing to get out and about as much as possible, is able to make good contacts and who wants to establish themselves at the heart of the community. It will be essential that you live on patch and work from our office in Andover, with the occasional need to work from our Basingstoke or Winchester offices.  

You will be reporting on everything from local businesses, community events, crime, human interest stories, court and local politics, and much more in between. 

The successful candidate will be part of a team that also produces other Hampshire weekly titles, the Hampshire Chronicle, Basingstoke Gazette, Romsey Advertiser and Salisbury Journal.   

We believe in being in the community in person and our reporters attend news events, reporting for our website, social media feeds and print pages. Our office is in the Chantry Centre and is a great base to work from.  

The successful candidate will understand social media, be comfortable creating videos and photographs, be able to conduct interviews with sources, and also – most importantly - be able to file clean, accurate engaging copy. 

We will consider trainee reporters looking for their first newsroom role but would also welcome senior journalists. It is vital to have an NCTJ-preliminary diploma, including some element of shorthand. Please do not apply if you do not have this qualification.  

As always, our reporting roles involve occasional weekend work and occasional early and late shifts. Please note candidates must have a driving licence and access to a car. 

Our reporters are expected to meet audience goals, which means learning how to find a good story, tell it across different platforms, and get it in front of more people through social media and SEO. Our audience goals look at productivity such as the number of stories produced, and stories are measured on how many click on them as well as their quality. Reporters can also earn a quarterly monetary bonus of up to 10 per cent of their salary by exceeding their productivity targets.  

We will show you how to develop and present your stories to make them a must-read and give you the on-the-job training and support needed to help you become a first-class senior reporter on top titles, working for one of the UK’s biggest news publishers. 

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

• Contributory pension 
• Perks and discounts at various retail outlets 
• 25 days' paid holiday + statutory bank holidays + your birthday day off 
• Performance bonus 
• Structured career progression and ongoing training 
• Discount vouchers 
• Discounted gym membership 
• Cycle-to-work scheme 
• Mental health support and advice via Tellus 
• Eye test vouchers plus £50 towards new glasses 
• Annual volunteer charity day 
• Company mobile and laptop 

Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities, as part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will consider any adjustments that could help you. 

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you are the best person for the job to regional editor Kimberley Barber via email kimberley.barber@newsquest.co.uk. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the suitable person may be appointed before the application close date so submit your details as soon as possible.

Potential candidates will be expected to attend an initial eligibility assessment on Teams, as well as an in-person trial/interview at one of the Hampshire offices. 

Please note this is a contract for 22.5 hours per week, flexibility can be given on the days worked and hours split, however we anticipate the successful candidate working at least three days per week. This role must be worked from the Andover office. Work from home will not be considered.