SWNS, Reporter

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Discovery team at Britain’s largest and most reputable news content provider.

We are looking for a confident, digital-savvy writer who loves sourcing their own material and is hungry to land exclusives every day.

Based at our Bristol HQ, the role will suit reporters with previous experience but we also welcome applications from enthusiastic starters who are keen to learn.

Who we are

SWNS is the UK’s biggest independent news content provider, with over 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.

The role

You will be part of our Discovery team, which sources unique and exclusive content through our owned & operated digital properties and modern newsgathering techniques.

We don’t rely on news dropping in our lap; all our writers must be willing and able to use social and digital media to find stories and turn them into unique and engaging content for international publishers.

The ideal candidate must also be confident in managing exclusives and contributors.

We have a strong ‘real life’ focus to our content. You will be writing for news outlets, but should have an awareness of what makes a good feature story for weekly magazines and TV.

The successful candidate will also be required to step in and help the traditional news operation when required – so experience of court reporting and doorknocking etc is preferable.

All applicants must have:

• NCTJ or similar qualification
• Shorthand to 100 wpm+
• Newswriting experience
• Social media content gathering skills
• Be confident and personable with the ability to quickly strike a rapport with people particularly over the phone
• Have a sharp eye for a story and the competitive drive to develop them
• Be a fast learner with bags of energy who is willing to jump in at the deep end
• Be organised and able to self-manage
• A driving licence and car is preferable

Please send applications by completing the application form below with your CV and covering letter.