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Journalist

Job description

Job Title: Journalist 

Location: Belfast Telegraph House (hybrid working)

At Mediahuis we’re excited to be growing the Belfast Telegraph’s local news offering across Northern Ireland, to help us achieve this we’re hiring for multiple Journalists to cover the following areas:

  • North Belfast & Newtownabbey

  • West Belfast & Lisburn

  • East & South Belfast

  • North Down

  • Armagh & Mid-Down

Let us know your preferred location(s) when you apply, we’ll do our best to match you with the hub that’s right for you.

We are open to applications on a full-time or part-time basis and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. If you’re an experienced journalist looking for flexibility, we’d welcome that conversation.

 

As a Journalist you will source, break, and explain stories for belfasttelegraph.co.uk. The role combines digital local news reporting with engaging, digital-first storytelling. This includes short-form video, live updates, social posts, explainers, interactive features, and occasional audio or podcast contributions. You’ll work to fast-paced digital deadlines, publish iteratively, and focus on optimising content to meet audience needs.

Key Responsibilities

1) Newsgathering

  • Build and maintain a contact network across your area  

  • Consistently break exclusive stories; file fast, accurate updates and in-depth analysis as stories evolve

  • Proactively plan diary items, flag upcoming events, and pitch distinctive angles that serve local audiences

2) Digital storytelling

  • Create up-to-date, balanced, engaging multimedia content, with iterative updates for web/app.

  • Shoot, script, edit, and publish video packages; capture social-first clips; ensure consistent style and tone.

  • Contribute to podcasts.

  • Use social platforms to promote stories, engage communities, and drive subscribers.

4) Hyperlocal Community Focus

  • Surface neighbourhood-level issues (roads, schools, housing, amenities, policing, health access), celebrate local people and groups.

  • Deliver engaging lifestyle coverage (food, drink, culture, entertainment, local trends).

  • Respond rapidly to breaking local news, filing updates and explainers that help residents make sense of events.

5) Standards & Governance

  • Uphold the Mediahuis Editorial Code of Practice and relevant legal/professional codes; ensure high levels of accuracy, fairness, and integrity.

Experience & Qualifications

  • Proven experience breaking stories under deadline pressure; strong news judgment

  • At least 2 years’ journalism experience preferred

  • Knowledge of issues affecting your area

  • Ability to produce video and social content to newsroom standards

Skills & Attributes

  • Digital-first mindset; comfortable with live publishing, iterative updates, and social packaging

  • Excellent writing, analysis, and headline craft

  • Strong contact-building and community rapport

  • Video storytelling (shooting, scripting, editing) and audio basics; confident on-camera/voice a plus

  • Collaborative, calm under pressure, and deadline-driven

Benefits

From supportive working options and wellbeing initiatives, to learning opportunities and career growth, Mediahuis is a place where you can do meaningful work and thrive. These are just a few of the benefits our team members receive: 

  • Minimum of 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays) 

  • Free Parking 

  • Bike to Work Scheme 

  • Company Pension Contribution 

  • Income Protection 

  • Health & Wellness events 

  • Employee Assistance Programme 

  • Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave 

  • Hybrid working schedule 

  • Life Assurance 

  • Educational Assistance