A regional publisher is creating up to 20 new jobs in a bid to give readers “a level and quality of content not seen before” in the industry.
DC Thomson has launched the new recruitment drive as it invests in its regional news operation in order to offer more digital products and content, alongside its print titles.
The programme, called ‘Apollo’, will see the company create specialist mini publishing teams covering specific topics in what bosses are calling a “dynamic way forward” for the business, while existing staff are already being moved into different roles.
Journalists will put increased emphasis on the use of video, live broadcasting, programme making, audio producing, animation, interactive graphics and live events to tell stories.
DC Thomson, whose titles include the Press and Journal, The Courier and the Sunday Post, says the programme will allow it to “serve communities with a level and quality of content not seen before in the UK regional news market”.
The roles being recruited in the newsroom include a data content specialist, an audio producer, group picture editor, head of live news, head of comment, head of sport, head of transport and environment, and head of business.
Live news reporter posts and four social media roles will also be created.
A number of journalists are also sought to report on live news and sport, and leaders are being recruited to head up teams covering live news, business, entertainment, sport and transport & environment.
Richard Neville, pictured, head of new brands at DC Thomson Media, said: “We are hoping the fortunes of society in general take an upturn in 2021, but we also believe changes in our news brands team will result in a new and dynamic way forward for our publishing business.
“We want to hear from anyone who wants to join a progressive, ambitious and innovative publisher.
“People who are interested in creating content that reflects their audiences and the values of their communities and are delivered through brands that have received investment in the people and resources needed to deliver genuinely high quality and meaningful content across all platforms.”
The project encompasses Dundee dailies the Courier and Evening Telegraph, and Aberdeen dailies the Press & Journal and Evening Express.
Courier editor David Clegg said: “We are searching for talented newsroom leaders who can complement the existing team and help us develop a deeper relationship with our readers.
“We have a strong connection with our communities through print, now we must develop that further online.”
P&J editor Frank O’Donnell added: “This is a top-to-bottom revolution in how we approach content. This isn’t about writing the same content and putting it online, this is identifying innovative, compelling ideas that fulfil a need for new audiences.
“We have to be ambitious, take risks and be comfortable with not getting everything right.
“This is an exciting time to be part of a forward-thinking company which wants to invest in journalism.”
Some of the new roles are now being advertised on HTFP via the links below.
Live News Team Leader, Aberdeen
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