Trainee Reporter

Trainee Reporter - Falmouth

Final date to receive applications: 29 June 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Falmouth

Reporting To: Diarmuid Macdonagh

The Falmouth Packet is looking for a digitally savvy, community-focused reporter to join our busy newsroom. This is a great opportunity for a trainee or an early-career journalist to develop their skills across a lively patch, covering breaking news and producing engaging content for multiple platforms.

You will also contribute to our other titles, the Helston Packet and The Packet, as well as cover the whole of Cornwall online.

This role is primarily 9 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, but includes some evenings and the occasional weekend shift, with the expectation that major breaking news is covered whatever the time of day.

We operate a hybrid working model, with two days office-based at the Tremough Innovation Centre on the Penryn Campus, and three days home-based.

• Cover breaking news and produce engaging stories for digital audiences
• Build strong relationships on patch to source stories and reflect community interests
• Use social media to identify trends, engage audiences and promote content
• Produce a wide range of content including live blogs, features and human-interest stories
• Cover key topics such as crime, local politics and community issues
• Work collaboratively with the wider digital reporting team
• Be open to using AI tools to support your work
• Attend events and report from across the patch where required

• 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
• Full driving licence and access to a car are essential

Applications will be reviewed as they are received; please apply early to avoid disappointment.

• 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