Job Title: Fast News Editor

Function: News 

Department: Editorial 

Reporting to: News Editor

Role Purpose

The Fast Newsdesk is responsible for driving the Irish Independent’s coverage of breaking news in a timely, accurate and engaging fashion. The Fast News Editor reports to the News Editor under the overall direction of the Group Head of News.

Working to a seven-day roster to serve, the role holder is responsible for identifying and commissioning news in a fast-paced environment. They ensure articles filed by reporters are fit for publication and digitally enhanced to a high standard.

The Fast News Editor must have a strong news sense and be capable of working independently while taking care to ensure stories are verified, legally sound and fit for publication on Mediahuis’ digital platforms. They should contribute story ideas and angles, and on occasion write articles if required.

The successful candidate will work closely with the senior news management team to ensure the Irish Independent has a competitive edge and to increase audience engagement. They will also work collaboratively with the Video and Audio teams to ensure we have suitable content for these growing platforms.

Role Responsibilities (Overview) 

• Work to ensure all major news is broken on Mediahuis’ digital platforms

• Commission and edit breaking news in a fast-paced environment

• Direct a team of multi-media journalists in the management of breaking news

• Engage with the Audio and Video teams to help with the development of multi-media content

• Work with the wider newsroom to ensure articles are published at the appropriate time and on the appropriate platform to maximise impact.

• Ensure articles published on the Irish Independent stand up to legal scrutiny

• Write SEO-friendly headlines/Meta titles

• Copy editing

• Ensure articles published on our platforms are accurate and timely

• Mentor and coach a team of multi-media journalists

• Monitor several news platforms and social media simultaneously

• Develop story ideas and work closely with senior news management team on relevant content

• Engage with the Audience Desk to help the Irish Independent achieve relevant targets –

• particularly in relation to fast news

• Engage with the teams on Crime World and Belfast Telegraph to coordinate the sharing of content.

• Carry out your duties at all times in accordance with Mediahuis’ Editorial Code of

• Practice and relevant professional and legal codes

Experience & Qualifications (Minimum Experience & Essential Knowledge) 

• At least 3 years’ journalistic experience

• News reporting and editing experience is essential

• Experience working in an online environment

• A demonstrated ability to work under pressure and as part of a team

• Experience in people management would be an advantage

• Understanding of the place of Audio and Video in storytelling

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Technical & Non-Technical                                

• Written / Digital journalism                        

• Copy editing                                                   

• Broad general knowledge and                                      

• across news, politics business,                                                              

• News judgement                                                

• Managing a wide and varied mix of                    

• stories                                                             

• Use social media and other digital tools            

• to source news information                          

• Learning agility

• Ability to spot news which lends itself to Audio or Video channels

• Team player - working with other journalists and editors to get the best stories

• Meet rolling deadlines

• Organisation – ability to plan towards deadlines

• Strong people skills

• Excellent knowledge of libel law