Sports Reporter - BelfastLive

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Sports Reporter to join us at the BelfastLive.

You will find and report on the stories and issues which matter to our sports fans in a way which ensures as many people as possible find, discover and respond to our work.

We are keen to speak with experienced reporters who thrive in a fast-paced newsroom environment, enjoy the thrill of breaking sports news and securing brilliant exclusives. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team and drive extensive sports editorial content and digital presence.

As a Sports Reporter, you will work closely with your team to generate engaging content quickly and accurately, come up with creative ways to beat targets and help grow traffic on the news pages

We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.

So, who are we?

We are Reach plc, you might not have heard of us but we have probably met without you even realising it. We are home to the UK and Ireland’s most iconic digital platforms, magazines and newspapers. From the Irish Mirror, Irish Daily Star, DublinLive, BelfastLive, RSVP and Cork Beo. We help all kinds of people share experiences through our stories because we believe this is what makes us human. At Reach, not only will you feel better understood, you will also feel you understand other people better too.

We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.

We are happy to consider applications on a flexible working basis, and will always aim to accommodate requests where possible.

This role is home and hub based linked to our Belfast Hub, so we are therefore looking for candidates who are based in Northern Ireland. 

What will the role involve?

As a Sports Reporter for Belfast Live, your primary responsibility will be to write and develop captivating stories that include compelling imagery and engaging video content. You'll be at the forefront of major sports news across Ireland, the UK, and globally. Your ability to deliver a fast turnaround on these stories will be crucial in maintaining our reputation for timely and accurate reporting.

We pride ourselves on our unique content, and as part of our team, you'll be expected to bring in exclusive stories that distinguish us from our competitors. Your knack for uncovering fresh angles and insights will ensure that our coverage stands out in the crowded field of sports journalism.

Every piece of content you produce should be meticulously researched and published in line with the Editor’s Code of Practice. Upholding these standards is essential to maintaining the trust of our audience and ensuring the integrity of our reporting.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, being confident in using a range of digital formats is a must. Your ability to craft engaging multimedia content will enhance the reader's experience and broaden our reach.

Finally, with news breaking faster than ever before, your skills in quickly identifying and responding to breaking news via social media will be key. Staying ahead of the curve by monitoring social media platforms will enable you to capture and report stories as they happen, keeping Belfast Live at the cutting edge of sports news.

Who are we looking for?

An experienced sports journalist with your journalism degree or equivalent qualification and media law knowledge, you have a strong track record of telling stories accurately, that engage large audiences with a real passion for digital storytelling. You’re flexible, inquisitive and are on the pulse of what makes a great story!

Being a sports journalist you will have encyclopaedic sport knowledge, digital publishing and social media experience. You have a thorough knowledge of UK Sports, as well as a keen interest in football, boxing, UFC, F1 and golf.

You’re comfortable working a content management system (CMS), live blogging, podcasting and have an understanding of audience analytics while having a track record of building communities on social media platforms such as but not limited to Facebook and X.

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement - join our pension scheme and we’ll match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days’ holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years’ service with Reach, you’ll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day - an additional day’s leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave - including maternity, paternity and adoption - and you’ll be eligible after just six months’ employment
• Private Healthcare Cash Plan - free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• As one of the UK’s top 50 Inclusive Employers everyone’s invited to join our events, programmes and networks to celebrate diversity and build an environment where all our people can thrive
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest
• Awesome career opportunities - you’ll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes
• We are also a member of the 30% Club, a global campaign aimed at increasing gender diversity at board and senior management levels

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.