Court and Crime Reporter
- Full-time
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Location: Home & Hub - London
- Division: Editorial
- Salary Currency: GBP Sterling
- Department: Regionals
Company Description
We are looking for a Court & Crime Reporter to join us at MyLondon.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented senior reporter to step into a pivotal role covering the best patch in the country. We are looking for a brilliant journalist who is adept at getting under the surface of London crime and navigating the complexities of the legal system.
You will be producing content for one of the most exciting newsrooms in the UK, reaching a massive audience with the fastest breaking news, groundbreaking exclusives, and in-depth investigations. We want someone who relishes digging for a story, utilizing an extensive contacts book, and finding the new perspectives that matter to London's diverse communities.
About us
Hello, we're Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that's on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.
We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star. It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we're just getting started...
Your story, with Reach
As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.
We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we've built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore. We'll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.
About this role
What will the role involve?
- You will write and develop high-impact stories, utilizing great pictures and engaging video to cover court cases and crime across the capital.
- You will be a fixture in London’s courts, delivering fast turnarounds on breaking legal news while also working on long-term investigations.
- You will build and maintain an extensive network of contacts within the criminal justice system, from the police to victims' families, to ensure we lead the news agenda.
- You will identify breaking news quickly by utilizing social media and digital analytics to ensure our content resonates with MyLondon’s massive audience.
- You will ensure all content is legally sound and published in strict accordance with the Editor's Code of Practice.
This is a home and hub position linked to our London Hub, requiring two days a week in the office alongside regular attendance at court. Being based in or around London is essential to ensure you can reach the courts quickly.
Who are we looking for?
- You are a senior qualified journalist (NCTJ or equivalent) with exceptional media law knowledge.
- 100 WPM shorthand is a non-negotiable requirement for this role due to the nature of court reporting.
- You have a proven track record of covering court and crime, with the ability to dig deep and find stories that set us apart from our rivals.
- You possess a "gold-standard" contacts book and the tenacity to build relationships across all levels of the criminal justice system.
- You are social media savvy with an excellent understanding of SEO and digital audience behavior.
- You can create accurate copy at pace, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining a sharp eye for detail.
How we'll look after you
We take good care of our people and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years.
- Holiday purchase scheme to help you buy extra leave if you want to.
- An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart
- Big moment day – an extra day's paid leave for a moment that matters to you like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family.
- Help saving for your retirement – we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6%.
- Supportive and progressive people policies – including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility and inclusion.
- A healthcare cash plan – giving you money back for medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
- Private healthcare options for you and your family.
- Wellbeing support – including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
- Financial Wellbeing – access to Stream, our app for managing your finances and rewards.
- Car lease scheme – buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through salary sacrifice.
Additional Information
If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying.
We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.
Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.