Role Purpose

The Fast Newsdesk is responsible for driving the Irish Independent’s coverage of breaking news in a timely, accurate and engaging fashion. It consists of a team of multi-media reporters who work with the News Editor under the overall direction of the Group Head of News.

Working to a seven-day roster, the role holder is responsible for identifying, writing and enhancing breaking news in a fast-paced environment. The multi-media reporter 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. The successful candidate will work closely with the news editors to ensure the Irish Independent has a competitive edge and to increase audience engagement.

The successful candidate will also conduct research work for the Irish Independent’s award-winning podcast The Indo Daily and as well as contributing to our video output.

Role Responsibilities (Overview)

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

• Write, edit and digitally enhance breaking news in a fast-paced environment

• Calmly handle live, breaking news situations and manage blogs when requested

• Report accurately on events and in a timely fashion

• Monitor several news platforms and social media simultaneously

• Write SEO-friendly headlines where necessary

• Copy editing

• Develop story ideas and work closely with the Newsdesk

• Work collaboratively with News  Editors and with other senior members of the newsroom

• Engage with the Audience Desk to help the Irish Independent project our news coverage in the best fashion possible.

• Work with the Audio department on podcasts such as The Indo Daily.

• Record and edit video as necessary.

• 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 2 years’ journalistic experience

• News reporting experience is essential

• Experience working in an online environment

• A demonstrated ability to cover breaking news

• Experience in audio/video is an advantage but not essential

Skills (Technical & Non-Technical)

• Written / Digital journalism

• Copy editing

• Broad general knowledge and understanding of the news agenda across news, politics business, entertainment and sport

• News judgement

• Managing a wide and varied mix of stories

• Use social media and other digital tools to source news information and to promote our journalism

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

• Meet rolling deadlines

• Organisation – ability to plan towards deadlines

• Excellent knowledge of libel law

• Understanding of audio/podcast environment.

• Ability to shoot/edit video footage using a mobile phone.

Other:

• Passion for journalism

• Creative Flair

• Ability to work at speed and under pressure

• Ability to conceptualise

• Self-starting and shows initiative

• Accuracy, fairness, balance, commitment to ethics

• Flexibility / willingness to adapt

• Detail Oriented

• Effective Collaboration

• Learning Agility