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 is a fantastic opportunity for a talented and experienced journalist to step into a pivotal role within our entertainment team. You will help drive high-impact celebrity and TV stories that attract, engage, and retain audiences. You will be an influential member of the newsroom, focusing on breaking major celebrity stories, securing exclusives, and producing engaging coverage across all digital platforms. We’re looking for someone with a deep passion for showbiz, a robust contacts book, and the drive to maintain our brand’s authority in entertainment journalism.
About us
Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.
We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.
It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…
Your story, with Reach
As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.
We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.
We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.
About this role
What will the role involve?
- Story Generation: You will generate and pitch high-impact story ideas, including exclusive and original content that drives the news agenda.
- High-Speed Reporting: You will write and publish high-quality, accurate articles—including breaking news—quickly and effectively.
- Exclusive Content: You will utilise your strong contacts book to secure interviews and exclusive content that sets the Express apart.
- Digital Excellence: You will optimise content for digital performance, using keywords, headlines, and data insights to maximize visibility and audience growth.
- Mentorship: You will offer guidance and advice to junior reporters, helping to lead shifts on occasion and maintaining quality and consistency across coverage.
- Event Coverage: You will represent the brand at major industry events, including press screeners, junkets, and red carpets, providing live updates and video content.
- Compliance: You will 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 our Canary Wharf hub. You will be expected to work 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
We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme: We have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
- Volunteering Day: An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
- Big moment day: An extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
- Retirement Savings: We'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
- Supportive Policies: We’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and flexibility.
- Healthcare cash plan: Giving you money back 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 through salary sacrifice.
- Wellbeing support: Including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
- Discounts: Access to lots of discounts, including 15% off with Reach's online marketplace, Yimbly.
- Interest-free loans: Including for season tickets and technology.
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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