Social News Reporter - Content Hub (6 month FTC)

As a Social News Reporter at Reach Plc, your primary responsibilities will include sourcing and pitching story ideas based on trending social media content from platforms like TikTok and Instagram. You will develop engaging news stories that appeal to our diverse audiences and collaborate with various national and regional newsrooms to decide the best fit for each story. Additionally, you will be expected to write high-quality articles swiftly while keeping an eye on what’s trending in the digital space.

To qualify for the Social News Reporter role at Reach Plc, you should be NCTJ qualified or possess a time-served equivalent in journalism. A solid understanding of media law and demonstrable newsroom experience is essential. You should also have a strong passion for storytelling, excellent digital publishing skills, and familiarity with various social media platforms to ensure effective audience engagement.

Reach Plc offers a competitive salary along with a range of benefits for the Social News Reporter role, including a pension scheme with matched contributions, 25 days of holiday per year, enhanced family leave, and a private healthcare cash plan. You will also gain access to professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion.

Yes, the Social News Reporter role at Reach Plc is designed to be flexible. While the job is home-based, it does require working various shifts on a rota pattern, including some weekends. The company is open to accommodation requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible.

As a Social News Reporter, you will play a crucial role in enhancing audience engagement by transforming viral social media moments into entertaining and relatable news stories. By closely monitoring trends and collaborating with a broad network within the Reach Plc brand, you will connect with a wide audience, enhancing their experience through relevant storytelling and compelling content.

A good story for social media is one that resonates emotionally or has a unique angle that sparks curiosity. As a Social News Reporter, focus on stories that are timely, relatable, and have the potential to engage diverse audiences. Think about your target audience’s interests and what’s currently trending to choose stories that would catch their attention.

To stay current with social media trends, immerse yourself in various platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit daily. Follow influencers, news accounts, and relevant hashtags to identify emerging stories and viral content. Engaging in conversations and observing user interactions can also provide insights on trending topics.

Sure! A potential viral story could stem from a trending TikTok challenge that showcases a unique talent or community event. Pitching a story could involve interviewing participants to highlight personal experiences or insights, especially if there’s an emotional or inspirational element involved, tying it back to broader societal themes.

For digital publishing and SEO, I use tools like Google Analytics for insights on audience behavior and trends. Content management systems help publish articles efficiently, while SEO tools like SEMrush or Yoast SEO are great for optimizing content. Ensuring proper keyword placement and engaging headlines can drive more traffic to the published stories.

Managing tight deadlines requires efficient planning and organization. I prioritize tasks by breaking down the writing process into smaller steps, ensuring each part is completed before moving on. Crafting strong outlines helps keep the article focused. Additionally, I have learned to streamline my research to only gather essential information to save time without compromising quality.

Collaboration is vital in the Social News Reporter role as it involves working closely with editors, fellow journalists, and regional newsrooms. Sharing story ideas, receiving feedback, and aligning on editorial strategies helps enhance the final output and ensures a cohesive approach to producing engaging news content.

When pitching a story to the Social Newsdesk Editors, I would first ensure it aligns with the audience's interests and current trends. My pitch would clearly outline the story's angle, significance, and supporting information. I would also present potential multimedia elements, such as interviews, images, or videos, to illustrate the story and capture their interest effectively.

Balancing creativity with fact is crucial in journalism. I focus on adhering to factual correctness while allowing my creativity to shine through in how I present the story. This involves using engaging language, compelling narratives, and quotes while ensuring that all information is verified and sourced appropriately for credibility.

To enhance audience engagement, I would recommend initiating interactive content, such as live Q&As or polls on social media platforms. Utilizing trending formats, like video storytelling or infographics, can also draw attention. It’s essential to gather and respond to audience feedback to create a more personalized and engaging news experience.

The future of social news reporting will likely be increasingly interactive and driven by audience preferences. With the rapid evolution of technology and platforms, adapting quickly to emerging trends will be key. We can expect more emphasis on multimedia storytelling and collaborations with influencers to expand reach and engagement with diverse audiences.