Showbiz Reporter - Mirror & Magazines

Do you want to work for some of the most iconic news brands in the UK? Are you an experienced journalist who keeps your finger on the pulse of the latest celebrity and showbiz stories? We are looking for a Showbiz Reporter to source and write industry-leading stories on all things celebrity and entertainment for The Mirror and all Reach Magazine titles including OK!, New, S magazine, Notebook and Love Sunday.

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 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 Mirror, Daily Express and OK!, to our regional titles such as the Liverpool Echo, BirminghamLive and the Manchester Evening News (plus lots more), our brands and the stories we cover are as varied as our people. We help all kinds of people share experiences through our stories because we believe this is what makes us human.

Oh, and we should probably also mention that with a monthly readership of 47 million people, Reach is the largest commercial publisher in the UK. At Reach, not only will you feel better understood, you will also feel you understand other people better too.

This role is home and hub based linked to our London Hub (minimum 3 days per week in hub). We are therefore open to candidates based in and around London.

What will the role involve?

You will generate and cover day to day celebrity and entertainment news, ensuring that the focus is always on the site's most-searchable stories. You will source and pitch exclusives on a weekly basis, always keeping up with the latest showbiz news. You will pull in exclusive interviews and dynamic news stories that will deliver a richness of content to the site while delivering a mix of breaking news and feature stories.

You will be able to optimise stories in accordance with the digital SEO/Social strategies, write and edit in accordance with digital house style and identify unique headlines and angles for stories to make content more searchable. This role involves working shifts on a rota basis including evenings and weekends, so a flexible approach is required.

Who are we looking for?

You are an experienced journalist with your NCTJ/NQJ or equivalent qualification and up to date media law knowledge. You have a proven track record of showbiz reporting experience in a fast paced national or large regional newsroom environment. You will have a fantastic eye for detail and have a passion for all things celebrity. 

As well as responding to breaking news, you will cover a range of events from awards shows to red carpets, so you should be eager to use your bursting book of contacts to get out and about to source stories and interviews. You have first rate communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to create content at pace whilst meeting deadlines with ease. You enjoy the test of working to tight deadlines and have excellent SEO experience.

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement - join our pension scheme and well match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years service with Reach, youll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day - an additional days leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave - including maternity, paternity and adoption - and youll 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 UKs top 50 Inclusive Employers everyones 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 - youll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes

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.