Newsquest Media Group
Chief Reporter - North and Mid Essex
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Application Deadline: 29 September 2026
Department: Editorial
Location: Colchester
Description
Newsquest North and Mid Essex seeks an ambitious and experienced journalist to join our team as Chief Reporter, with a focus on Chelmsford and the surrounding areas.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented reporter who thrives on finding exclusive stories, building strong contacts and producing journalism that makes a genuine difference to local communities.
The mid Essex patch offers a varied and rewarding mix of reporting opportunities, from local politics and public affairs to crime, courts, community campaigns and breaking news. As Chief Reporter, you will play a key role in delivering impactful journalism across our digital and print platforms while helping ensure our coverage remains relevant, trusted and engaging.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead reporting across Chelmsford and the wider Mid Essex patch
- Produce accurate, engaging content for digital and print platforms
- Identify, develop and deliver exclusive stories and investigations
- Cover breaking news, local politics, crime, courts and community issues
- Build and maintain strong relationships with contacts across the patch
- Work with colleagues to plan and deliver high-quality coverage
- Use audience data and analytics to maximise the reach and impact of content
- Undertake editing and publishing duties when required
- Contribute to newsroom planning and editorial discussions
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- A strong track record in local news reporting
- Excellent news judgement and storytelling ability
- Proven ability to identify and deliver exclusive stories
- Strong interviewing, writing and communication skills
- Experience creating content for both digital and print audiences
- Ability to build and maintain professional contacts and relationships
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure
- Sound knowledge of media law, the IPSO Code and responsible reporting standards
- A collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues across the newsroom
- Able to use AI tools to improve efficiency, insight and output quality
- NCTJ qualification, including shorthand, is desirable
- A driving licence and access to a car are preferred due to the geography of the patch
- Willingness to work a rota that includes some early, late and weekend shifts
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills