Senior Reporter - The Dorset Echo

Application Deadline: 15 September 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Weymouth

Reporting To: Diarmuid Macdonagh

The Dorset Echo is looking for a digitally savvy, community-focused Senior Reporter to join our busy newsroom.

This is a great opportunity for a proven reporter to develop their skills across a lively patch, covering breaking news and producing engaging content for multiple platforms.

Our reporters work on a rota which includes some evenings and weekend shifts, with the expectation that major breaking news is covered, whatever the time of day.

Key Responsibilities

• Break the news across Dorset using strong contacts, initiative and relentless newsgathering
• React to live incidents and ongoing developing stories, providing rolling updates as situations evolve
• Generate a constant flow of news ideas, exclusives and forward‑looking content plans
• Use AI tools to enhance reporting, drafting and workflows — without compromising editorial control or quality
• Source stories through social media, emergency services updates, contacts on the ground and verified tip-offs
• Deliver clean, compelling copy under pressure
• Ensure all content meets the highest standards of accuracy, media law, privacy and ethics
• Take part in a rota covering early starts, late finishes and weekends
• Shape coverage deliberately using audience data, performance insight and editorial judgement
• Identify new story formats and growth opportunities that resonate with our readers
• Work closely with a digital ACE to ensure our content is top-notch.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 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
• A full driving licence and access to a car are essential

Benefits

• 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