We are looking for a Senior Showbiz Reporter to join the team at the Express on an 11-month fixed-term contract (Maternity Cover).
This role will focus on writing high-impact celebrity and TV stories, securing exclusives, and producing engaging coverage across digital platforms.
About this role
* Story Generation: Generate and pitch high-impact story ideas, including exclusive and original content that drives the news agenda.
* High-Speed Reporting: Write and publish high-quality, accurate articles—including breaking news—quickly and effectively.
* Exclusive Content: Use a strong contacts list to secure interviews and exclusive content that sets the Express apart.
* Digital Excellence: Optimize content for digital performance, using keywords, headlines, and data insights to maximize visibility and audience growth.
* Mentorship: Offer guidance and advice to junior reporters, help lead shifts on occasion, and maintain quality and consistency across coverage.
* Event Coverage: Represent the brand at major industry events, including press screeners, junkets, and red carpets, providing live updates and video content.
* Compliance: Ensure all content is fact‑checked and adheres strictly to legal guidelines, IPSO code, and editorial standards.
Location
This is a home and hub position linked to the Canary Wharf hub. The role requires working from the office at least 2 to 3 days per week.
Who are we looking for?
* You are an experienced NCTJ or equivalent qualified journalist with deep knowledge of media law, including defamation, privacy, and copyright.
* You have a strong contacts book and a proven track record of securing high‑profile exclusives.
* You are deeply immersed in film, TV, music, and celebrity culture.
* You possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and coach others effectively.
* You are digitally proficient, comfortable with SEO, digital publishing, and social media platforms.
* You have excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm under the pressure of tight deadlines.
How we’ll look after you
* 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays), plus additional days after 3, 5, and 10 years with us.
* Holiday Purchase Scheme: A scheme to help you buy extra holiday if desired.
* Volunteering Day: An extra day’s paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or heart.
* Big Moment Day: An extra day’s paid leave for a significant personal event such as marriage, moving house, or welcoming a new addition to the family.
* Retirement Savings: We match your pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute via salary sacrifice.
* Supportive Policies: A range of policies to support people in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and flexibility.
* Healthcare Cash Plan: Reimbursements for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor’s appointments.
* Car Lease Scheme: You can buy a brand-new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner and pay via salary sacrifice.
* Wellbeing Support: Including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
* Discounts: Access to many discounts, including 15% off with Reach’s online marketplace, Yimbly.
* Interest‑free Loans: Issued for season tickets and technology.
Additional Information
If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying.
We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.
Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
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