Do you fancy being a reporter?
As part of a UK-wide groundbreaking initiative between the BBC and regional publishers, we are seeking to recruit a local democracy reporter based in Bathgate, initially for a two-year period.
This unique scheme is designed to increase coverage and scrutiny of local authorities across the UK.
Funded by the BBC and run by media publishers, the reporter will offer in-depth coverage of our local authorities.
The key aim will be to ensure scrutiny of the way our local government institutions operate, decisions they make and how they spend public money.
Successful applicants will play a vital part in launching the scheme and ensuring it is a success, with the aim of expanding it in future years.
Acting as a trusted source of news and ambassador for the scheme, the successful applicant will be adept at identifying issues and stories buried in council agendas which need to be brought to the public’s attention.
Reporting to the local editor, this role offers the chance to get involved at the start of a high-profile initiative and help shape the future of the scheme.
Local democracy reporters will be the public’s eyes and ears in councils across the country, scrutinising minutes and agendas and reporting on meetings, debates and issues which affect
This role will involve direct and accurate reporting from council documents and meeting, requiring good shorthand and the ability to file clean, crisp copy.
We anticipate that there will also be scope for working on longer-term projects in collaboration with local government reporters and newsdesks at the Reach plc titles where local democracy reporters will be based.
The copy produced will be shared with BBC radio and websites, along with other news groups which are part of this collaboration.
As such, the successful candidate may be required to appear on air in a BBC radio or TV news programme and should therefore be comfortable on air - although training will be provided by the BBC.
For more details see www.jobs.reachplc.com/job-description/id/LD