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Our reporters work on a rota which includes some evenings and weekend shifts, with the expectation that major breaking news is covered, whatever the time of day.
JournalismNews reportingWritingMedia lawSEO
Requirements
Candidates should have excellent writing skills, strong newsgathering abilities, and a solid understanding of media law and SEO. A full driving licence and access to a car are essential, and NCTJ qualification or shorthand proficiency is highly preferred.
Job Description
Senior Reporter - The Dorset Echo
Application Deadline: 15 September 2026
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Weymouth
Reporting To: Diarmuid Macdonagh
Description
The Dorset Echo is looking for a digitally savvy, community-focused Senior Reporter to join our busy newsroom.
This is a great opportunity for a proven reporter to develop their skills across a lively patch, covering breaking news and producing engaging content for multiple platforms.
This is a great opportunity for a proven reporter to develop their skills across a lively patch, covering breaking news and producing engaging content for multiple platforms.
Our reporters work on a rota which includes some evenings and weekend shifts, with the expectation that major breaking news is covered, whatever the time of day.
Key Responsibilities
- Break the news across Dorset using strong contacts, initiative and relentless newsgathering
- React to live incidents and ongoing developing stories, providing rolling updates as situations evolve
- Generate a constant flow of news ideas, exclusives and forward‑looking content plans
- Use AI tools to enhance reporting, drafting and workflows — without compromising editorial control or quality
- Source stories through social media, emergency services updates, contacts on the ground and verified tip-offs
- Deliver clean, compelling copy under pressure
- Ensure all content meets the highest standards of accuracy, media law, privacy and ethics
- Take part in a rota covering early starts, late finishes and weekends
- Shape coverage deliberately using audience data, performance insight and editorial judgement
- Identify new story formats and growth opportunities that resonate with our readers
- Work closely with a digital ACE to ensure our content is top-notch.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Excellent writing skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work quickly and accurately
- Skilled at building relationships with key contacts
- Highly organised with strong time management
- Knowledge of SEO and media law
- Confident using social media and AI Tools (additional training will be provided)
- Adaptable writing style across different formats and platforms
- Ideally, NCTJ qualified or equivalent (including 100wpm shorthand). If you do not yet have shorthand, you must be willing to train towards it
- A full driving licence and access to a car are essential
Benefits
- 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
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Perks & discounts including:
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care
- Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day
Education
Professional Certificate
Skills
JournalismNews reportingWritingMedia lawSEOSocial mediaAI toolsTime managementCommunicationShorthandEditorial judgementContent creation