Breaking News Reporter - The Press & Journal

Job Title: Breaking News Reporter – The Press & Journal 

Location: Aberdeen, UK (5 days a week onsite)  

Shift Pattern: Varied 

The Press & Journal, part of DC Thomson, is seeking an experienced Breaking News Reporter to play a key role in our live news coverage in Aberdeen. 

You’ll demonstrate excellent news judgement, thrive under pressure, and take ownership of fast‑moving stories. 

This role is for someone who can spot breaking news, verify information quickly, and deliver accurate, engaging local journalism in real time.

As a Breaking News Reporter, you will: 

• Actively monitor and respond to breaking news, from ongoing incidents to developing stories 

• Break news quickly and confidently, taking ownership of major stories as they develop 

• Deliver a consistent flow of accurate, high‑quality breaking news under pressure 

• Verify information quickly and responsibly as stories evolve 

• Surface stories effectively through SEO, push notifications and social media 

• Film pieces to camera for our app and social media channels 

• Use data, SEO and audience insight to maximise reach and engagement 

• Be best in class at telling breaking news through stories, live blogs, video and audio 

• Identify follow‑ups and developments beyond the initial breaking story 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Breaking news reporting - Accountable for spotting, verifying and publishing breaking news quickly and responsibly, ensuring coverage is accurate, timely and trustworthy.  

• Finding and monitoring stories - Accountable for checking social media, other publications and analytics dashboards, staying in touch with sources and emergency services, and handling tip‑offs to spot breaking and developing stories early.  

• Presentation and reach - Accountable for writing clear, engaging headlines, applying SEO best practice, and using strong images, video and follow‑ups to help breaking news reach and engage the audience.  

• Follow‑ups and story development  - Accountable for updating stories as they develop, chasing new details, finding fresh angles, and sharing follow‑ups or tips with colleagues when needed.  

• Standards and tools - Accountable for ensuring all work meets editorial and legal standards, including Scots Law and the IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice, and using the CMS, analytics and social media to publish, update and improve stories responsibly.  

A full UK driving licence is mandatory for this role, along with a willingness to travel across the patch. 

We’re looking for: 

• An experienced reporter with strong news judgement and a clear understanding of what constitutes a breaking news story 

• A proven track record of identifying, breaking and developing major stories at pace 

• Confidence working independently in a fast‑paced live news environment 

• The ability to monitor news sources and respond quickly to breaking and developing stories 

• Excellent understanding of audience needs and priorities during live coverage 

• Strong digital skills, including analytics, SEO and live storytelling formats 

• Confidence filming and presenting pieces to camera for digital platforms 

• The drive to compete, win stories and grow audience through timely, accurate reporting 

Behaviours that will help this role succeed: 

• Curious and persistent  – asks the right questions and follows stories through  

• Proactive and creative – spots opportunities and suggests strong angles and headlines  

• Adaptable – comfortable working at pace in a live news environment, with flexibility around shifts   

• Accountable and reliable – delivers accurate journalism under pressure  

• Collaborative – works well with others and responds positively to feedback  

To apply for this role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter. 

Closing date for applications: 15th July at 12:00noon