Bristol24/7 is looking for a new reporter

Bristol24/7 is seeking an enthusiastic reporter with a keen eye for a story and a passion for Bristol.

From covering breaking news to shining a light on communities, this is an exciting opportunity for a determined journalist to get to the heart of issues across the city and be part of a small team that’s committed to quality local journalism and amplifying under-reported voices.

Founded in 2014, Bristol24/7 is the biggest independent publication in the South West, with unrivalled coverage of local news, culture, food and drink, and more.

We are also a community interest company and in 2023 were named one of the top 100 social enterprises in the country as part of the NatWest SE100.

Our content is read by hundreds of thousands of people across multiple platforms– an audience that’s growing all the time.

Advertising and membership support our independent journalism and fund community projects that change lives.

Bristol24/7’s editorial team prides itself on getting under the skin of Bristol’s activism – photo: Rob Browne

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and full of ideas, have great writing skills and a strong news sense.

Managing social media, taking photos and creating video content will all play a key part of the role and the reporter will need to be able to juggle a busy workload, have a meticulous eye for detail and meet tight deadlines.

From covering protests to conducting in-depth interviews, this role offers plenty of scope for a reporter to make their mark working across the entire city to be first on the scene of a breaking news story or uncover an off-diary exclusive.

The successful candidate will also play a part in putting together our bi-monthly magazine and managing our award-winning work experience scheme which takes place throughout the year.

As a Bristol24/7 reporter, you’ll be an important member of our small editorial team, helping to grow our news coverage and learn and be supported by team members.

We’re looking for someone who is keen to pursue a career in local journalism, with proven skills to demonstrate this.

On-the-job training will be given and there will be ample opportunity to shape the role, build a portfolio of work and hone multimedia journalism skills.

Opportunities to attend gigs and parties is one of the many perks of working for Bristol24/7 – photo: Rob Browne

Essential qualities:

• Excellent writing skills
• A keen eye for stories
• Ability to look after your own workload and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive attitude
• Passion for storytelling and current affairs
• Willing to work evenings or weekends on a rota
• Strong interest in and knowledge of Bristol24/7, Bristol and local issues
• Based in Bristol

Desirable qualities:

• NCTJ diploma in journalism or equivalent experience
• Portfolio of published work
• Experience of creating video
• Experience of using WordPress and Mailchimp
• Knowledge of media law and ethics
• From Bristol

What we offer:

• On-the-job training, mentoring and support
• Regular pay reviews and career progression
• 25 holiday days per year (pro rata)
• Additional days off between Christmas and New Year
• A paid four-week sabbatical after five years employment
• A hybrid home and office-based working week
• Opportunities to attend festivals, gigs and parties throughout the year
• A free Bristol24/7 membership so you can access our exclusive perks
• A fun and busy work environment
• Cycle to work scheme
• Starting salary of £25,000 (pro rata)

Bristol24/7 is a community interest company which means our profits are reinvested into local initiatives to make the city a better place – photo: Rob Browne

We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity and welcome applications from those who bring balance to our team.

Bristol24/7 welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.

If you are from a background that is not well represented in the media industry or at Bristol24/7, we want to hear from you. This includes if you are:

• a person who experiences racism and/or
• a disabled person and/or
• a person who identifies as having a working class background and/or
• a person who was eligible for free school meals as a child

Our new reporter will be an integral part of the editorial team and contribute to our bi-monthly print magazine – photo: Betty Woolerton

Key details

Contract: Permanent (subject to three-month probation period)

Hours: Four days a week (30 hours – we hope the role will become a full-time later in 2026)

Weekend working: One working weekend per month on a rota with the editorial team (with two weekdays taken as holiday to make up for the extra hours worked)

Location: Office 6, Floor 3, Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Southville, BS3 1TF (with some work from home flexibility, but you will need to be able to attend the office several days a week including Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Applications closing date: 11.59pm, December 31

Interviews: Commencing January 19

Job start date: March 1

Application process: Please send a CV and cover letter (no more than one page each) outlining why you want the role and why you would be the ideal candidate. Email applications to [email protected].

The small team at Bristol24/7 works from an office at the top of the Tobacco Factory in Southville – photo: Bristol24/7

Bristol24/7 is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, and it is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable through the recruitment process in order to perform your best.

If you are unsure of whether to apply, have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please email [email protected] to arrange an informal chat.

Main photo: Rob Browne