Chief Reporter

We are looking for a Chief Reporter to join us at Belfast Live.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented senior reporter or content editor to step into a pivotal, driving role in our newsroom.

You will lead by example, setting the daily news agenda with high-impact exclusives, authoritative breaking news coverage and compelling features. We’re looking for someone who excels in fast-paced breaking news scenarios with a particular nose for hard news and crime and who can tell stories across multiple formats, from real-time live blogs to video and audio. Beyond delivering your own top-tier journalism you will act as a mentor to junior reporters and deputise for Content Editors to help direct daily coverage and maintain high standards across our digital output.

About us

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, Belfast Live, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

What will the role involve?

• Set the Agenda
  :
  Deliver high-impact, original and exclusive stories that resonate with Belfast Live’s audience and drive both reach and subscriptions.
• Lead Breaking News
  :
  Act as a prolific force in breaking news scenarios, utilising real-time live blogs, breakout articles, video, audio, and pictures to capture live events.
• Newsroom Leadership: Act as a key mentor to junior reporters and step up to deputise for Content Editors when required, helping to manage the news desk and direct daily coverage.
• Audience-Driven Strategy: Use real-time analytics to understand reader behaviour and make sharp, data-informed editorial decisions.
• Uphold Standards
  :
  Ensure all content is thoroughly researched, balanced, and strictly compliant with media law, court restrictions, and the IPSO Code of Practice.

This is a home and hub position linked to our Belfast office (typically requiring 2-3 days in the office per week). Because of the nature of the role, a valid driver's license and access to a car are required.

Who are we looking for?

• An experienced Senior Reporter or Content Editor with a strong track record in a fast-paced digital newsroom.
• Deep, comprehensive knowledge of the political, cultural, and social landscape of Belfast and wider Northern Ireland.
• An NQJ qualification (or equivalent), including 100wpm shorthand.
• Expertise in media law, court reporting, and the IPSO Code of Practice.
• Strong digital publishing skills, including CMS experience, basic video shooting, picture taking, and community building via social media.
• A collaborative, determined, and imaginative professional who puts the customer/reader at the heart of everything they do.

How we'll look after you

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause…