News / Digital News Editor – Fermanagh Herald
Job Purpose
The News Editor will lead on local news coverage, working to deadline across digital platforms and print. The role involves managing daily content flow, shaping strong storytelling for both online and print audiences, and ensuring all published material meets high editorial and legal standards. The News Editor will also deputise in the day-to-day running of the newsroom when required, contribute to page layout and design, write headlines, and check copy for accuracy and style. The role includes close collaboration with editorial teams across the North-West News Group.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead daily news coverage and drive engaging content for both digital and print audiences.
- Support development of the website and social media channels to maximise reach, engagement and brand growth.
- Write sharp headlines that reflect the story and attract readers in online and print.
- Respond quickly to breaking news to ensure timely digital publication and appropriate follow-up for print.
- Work alongside the Fermanagh Herald Editor and the Digital Editor to ensure our digital content is as strong as our newspapers.
- Lead by example to ensure the journalists are aware of the importance of digital and print media.
- Assist the Editor with managing editorial staff, email inboxes, the photo diary and the general workflow of a busy newsroom when required.
- Write accurate, balanced, and concise local news stories, features, and analysis pieces to house style.
- Fact-check stories and ensure all published content complies with legal, copyright, and editorial guidelines.
- Assign stories to reporters and freelancers and monitor progress throughout the week.
- Liaise with reporters to clarify details, verify facts and develop strong angles.
- Edit, rewrite and prepare copy to improve clarity, accuracy and readability.
- Monitor all news sources — including email, press releases, court lists, council agendas, social media, radio and competitor publications.
- Plan weekly print content in line with editorial policy, page plans, and publishing deadlines.
- Generate story ideas that reflect audience interest and community relevance.
- Raise any operational or editorial concerns promptly with the Editor.
- Proofread full pages before publication.
- Produce and design news pages in line with agreed style guidelines.
- Work collaboratively with group editorial teams across Omagh, Donegal and Fermanagh on shared content and initiatives.
- Represent the company professionally within the community whenever required.
Other Duties
- Maintain professional appearance and conduct.
- Adopt a positive, enthusiastic approach to your work, colleagues and the company.
- Attend meetings and training as requested by the Editor or management.
- Contribute ideas to improve departmental operations and efficiency.
- Promote the reputation and values of the company at all times.
- Maintain any company-issued equipment, such as cameras, in good working order.
Key Performance Results
- Consistently produces accurate, well-written content under deadline.
- Sets and drives the news agenda with local, relevant, engaging journalism for online and print.
- Demonstrates strong digital instincts and stays up to date with modern publishing tools.
- Proactively develops the website and digital output, including breaking news and updates.
- Responds well to feedback and demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement.
- Strong working knowledge of media law and best editorial practice.
- Builds strong relationships within the newsroom and across the community.
- Adheres to regulatory codes of practice.
Essential Criteria
- Previous newspaper journalism experience on a local or national title.
- Up-to-date knowledge of digital publishing and social media.
- Strong interest in local news, public affairs, sport and community issues.
- Excellent written English — clear, concise and engaging.
- Proven news judgement and strong editing/subbing skills.
- Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to lead daily news operations and deputise when required.
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Comfortable networking across community, political, sporting and cultural sectors
- Knowledge of libel and media law.
Desirable Criteria
- 3rd-level qualification in journalism or related field (e.g. NCTJ).
Shorthand.
Experience in page layout and print design.
Previous people-management experience.
Knowledge of the Fermanagh Herald circulation area.
Other Requirements
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to work occasional weekends and to undertake online/digital duties outside normal office hours when news breaks.
- Flexibility to support the needs of the newsroom during peak periods.