Local Democracy Reporter

Local Democracy Reporter (Worthing, Adur and Arun)

Location:

Chichester (office), with councils based in Worthing, Shoreham, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

Contract Type:
Full‑time, fixed term until 31 December 2027.

Do you want to shine a light on the workings of some of West Sussex’s busy local councils, hold power to account and have a ringside seat at the heart of local decision‑making? Then this could be the job for you.

We’re looking for a reporter to join the BBC‑funded Local Democracy Reporting Service, covering Worthing Borough Council, Adur District Council and Arun District Council.

It’s a great job for a senior reporter, or a trainee looking to take their next step. These are news‑y councils in a news‑y coastal West Sussex patch and with local government reorganisation underway, there is never a shortage of stories.

We need someone who can communicate clearly, quickly and in an impartial manner, primarily through writing but also using multimedia skills: video, social media and photography. A self‑starter who knows local politics and is happy to work independently, yet part of the team of LDRs who collaborate on investigations and joint projects, is ideal. You must have an eye for a story and meet the BBC’s Local News Partnership standards for quality, consistency and legal accuracy, acting as a public ambassador for the project.

More information and a video of Local Democracy Reporters describing their work and roles can be found here:

• Deliver strong, multimedia content – text with supporting images, audio and video where possible.
• Write in a way that engages and drives audience, including through SEO and social media awareness.
• Ensure all content, including social media activity, is politically neutral and fairly reflects views.
• Scrutinise agendas for councils and public bodies, identifying issues and stories that need public attention.
• Work with local editors to determine which meetings should be covered and reported on.
• Build strong contacts for story gathering within local communities.
• Be active on social media, in line with partnership policies and impartiality guidelines, to build audiences and communities.
• Ensure all content produced has suitable metadata attached.
• Deliver live coverage as and when required.
• Conduct two‑way interviews for broadcast media.

• Good writing skills, up‑to‑date legal knowledge and shorthand proficiency (e.g., 100 wpm).
• National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ) or similar, or at least two years’ experience as a reporter in a news environment.
• Excellent communicator on social media.
• Excel at working under pressure and prioritising.
• Self‑starter.
• Familiar with digital tools and techniques across multiple platforms.
• Strong understanding of local government workings and processes.
• Proven ability to deliver creative ideas for content.
• Strong contact‑building skills.
• Proficiency in taking images, shooting video and gathering audio.

Does this sound like you? If yes then please hit the ‘apply’ button.

Please note successful candidates will be expected to work from the company’s offices.

Iconic Media Group Ltd is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment as an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. Consideration will be given to flexible working and job‑share options for all roles.