Breaking News Reporter

Overview

News doesn’t wait and neither will you. We’re looking for a senior reporter who is ambitious, driven and ready to react with a hunger for breaking stories. This is a fast-paced digital role at the heart of our newsroom, responding to major incidents such as crime, transport disruption and developing stories as they happen. You’ll be a proven reporter with pace, authority and a robust contacts book, who understands how Birmingham works and where stories originate.

This role combines hard-nosed reporting with smart use of AI tools to move faster, spot trends and scale output while maintaining editorial control and quality. You’ll be expected to be across your patch, set the tone, and find the best stories—analysing what works for our audiences and adapting in real time. You’ll be comfortable using social media to find pictures and video of live incidents, quotes, and even capture video from the scene;

being comfortable on camera for Facebook Live. Above all, you’ll deliver accurate, legally sound, cutting-edge journalism that reflects the West Midlands in all its complexity and speaks directly to its communities.

• Break the news across Birmingham using strong contacts, initiative and relentless news gathering.
• 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, on-the-ground contacts and verified tip-offs.
• Deliver clean, compelling copy under pressure and ensure all content meets high standards of accuracy, media law, privacy and ethics.
• Take part in a rota covering early starts, late finishes and weekends.
• Confidence shooting and presenting video to camera; shape coverage using audience data and editorial judgement.
• Identify new story formats and growth opportunities that resonate with readers.
• Work closely with a digital ACE to ensure content is top-notch.
• Consistently hit and exceed page-view and audience growth targets.

• NCTJ diploma or equivalent.
• Significant experience as a digital reporter, ideally on a major regional or city patch.
• Proven track record of breaking stories and developing exclusives.
• A strong, active contacts book and the confidence to cultivate new sources quickly.
• Sharp news judgment and the ability to spot stories others miss.
• Excellent digital writing and editing skills, with headlines that cut through.
• Deep knowledge of UK media law and the Editors’ Code of Conduct.
• Energy, resilience and authority in a fast-paced, competitive newsroom.
• Confidence using data and analytics to drive editorial decisions.

• 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
• Perks & discounts including:
  Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care, Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day

We are a regional news publisher committed to delivering authoritative news that readers trust. We own a portfolio of local news brands and magazines online and in print, with an online audience of millions and a substantial print readership. We also own digital and specialist media ventures and a digital marketing agency focused on driving leads and ROI for UK SMBs.