The Stage Media Company Ltd, based in London Bridge, is dedicated to providing up-to-date news and services for the UK’s theatre, performing arts and book publishing industry with two key titles: The Stage and The Bookseller. Both The Stage and The Bookseller are established leaders within their respective fields, offering industry news, authoritative reviews/interviews and insightful features.

The Bookseller is the leading trade magazine for the publishing industry in the UK. Founded in 1858, we are fiercely independent. As well as the weekly print magazine, The Bookseller is available online via subscription, and runs The British Book Awards, The YA Book Prize, the Marketing & Publicity, Children’s and FutureBook conferences. It is now owned by The Stage Media Company.

Reporting to the News Editor, The Bookseller is looking for a part-time Senior News Reporter to join our busy team, working two days a week (Thursdays and Fridays).

You will work with the news team to create engaging editorial content of the highest standard for the web, magazine and other platforms.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Writing fast, accurate news stories for www.thebookseller.com online, including for daily morning news email, with a focus on looking for original stories and scoop
• Contributing news and feature stories to the print content of The Bookseller
• Developing constructive contacts, on defined ‘patches’ in order to pick up scoops, get comments, take feedback etc.
• Working both on own initiative and as a team with the other reporters on larger stories, and with flexibility on other patches as news team needs require.
• Representing The Bookseller in face-to-face meets with contacts at launch events, conferences and presentations
• Developing knowledge and expertise in the book industry in order to refine news judgement and reflect the level of expertise of our readers.
• Deputising for the Deputy News Editor/ News Editor when away, which may involve editing stories for print and online according to house-style and producing the daily morning briefing email and other newsletters in their absence. 

Key Skills required

• Substantial experience of news reporting on a business-to-business magazine, daily or weekly newspaper or online site
• Previous experience of editing
• Good working knowledge of media law and the IPSO code
• Previous experience of bringing in exclusive stories and scoops
• PC and Mac literate
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Familiarity with the book industry will be an advantage

Personal Attributes required:

• A tenacious and motivated journalist
• Able to work independently but also as part of a wider team
• Shows initiative and is self-motivated
• Able to balance longer stories with the need to produce shorter stories quickly
• Organised and demonstrates excellent attention to detail
• Intuitive to business needs
• Able to network and develop relationships
• Willingness to participate in continual learning
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to positively contribute to a team-oriented, collaborative environment

This list is non-exhaustive and may be amended from time to time depending on the requirements of the role

Other information:

Normal working hours are 9am – 5pm, with occasional evening or weekend work to cover events. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, requiring at least a day a week at The Stage’s office on Bermondsey Street, SE1, with opportunities for remote work on the other day.

Please note we start screening CVs and interviewing candidates from the start of a campaign. A successful candidate could progress to offer before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested.

Closing date – January 30, 2025

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are here to support you and ensure you have the best possible experience.