SWNS, Reporter - Devon and Cornwall

A rare opportunity has arisen to join the news team at SWNS - Britain’s most dynamic news content provider – in one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

We are looking for an experienced reporter or dynamic new starter to cover the Devon and Cornwall patch for our forward-thinking newsgathering operation.

Candidates must be able to handle a wide spectrum of disciplines and be able to source exclusive material for our national and international clients.

Based in Devon or Cornwall, the role will suit reporters with previous experience but we are also welcoming applications from dynamic starters.

The role:

The successful candidate will work from home in Devon or Cornwall and report to news editors at our Bristol HQ.

You will be responsible for finding, handling, covering and managing national news stories from the patch.

This includes breaking news, court cases and inquests, as well as door knocks, vox pops and other commissioned work from clients including the Sun, Mirror, Daily Mail, Times and Telegraph.

You will be expected to respond quickly to emerging stories in the local media, and provide a constant stream of exclusive ‘off diary’ content such as human interest stories, animal tales, viral/UGC clips and attention-grabbing picture and video sets.

You will be writing for news outlets but should have an awareness of what makes a good feature story for weekly magazines, TV and our own social channels. 

The role will require the successful candidates to be organised, self-motivated and be passionate about popular news content.

Who we are:

SWNS is the UK’s biggest independent news content provider, with 100 staff in offices across the country and a satellite in the US. We distribute more than 1,000 original media assets every day, making us one of the single biggest sources of news content for publishers across the world. Our content spans everything from breaking news and human interest to health, science and virals.

We believe in real journalism; reporters, photographers and videographers who gather content on the ground and turn them into media packages which leap off the page or screen. We also work with hundreds of contributors and major publishers to licence and monetise their content.  

Alongside our core news agency operation, SWNS supplies a wide range of editorial and bespoke commission services ranging from assignments for brands to full outsource production services for publishers.

Our passion, drive and innovative business model has seen us grow exponentially over the last decade and this role reflects our continued investment in journalism.

All applicants must have:

• NCTJ or similar qualification
• Shorthand to 100 wpm+
• Clean driving licence
• Newswriting experience and the ability to turn around quick, accurate copy
• Be confident and personable with the ability to quickly strike a rapport with people, both in person and on the phone
• Have a sharp eye for a story and the competitive drive to develop them

Please click APPLY NOW and send us your CV and covering letter, making it clear you are applying for the Devon and Cornwall role.