Sports Reporter - Watford Observer

Sports Reporter - Watford Observer

Application Deadline: 20 October 2026

Department: Editorial

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Watford - London

Reporting To: Simon Murfitt

Description

Can you break stories Watford FC fans will be talking about before anyone else?

The Watford Observer is looking for an ambitious, digitally focused Sports Reporter to lead our Watford FC coverage across our website, social channels (including YouTube), and print.

This is a rare opportunity to cover one of the biggest football clubs outside the Premier League for a trusted local news brand with a long history of holding decision-makers to account and delivering the stories that matter most to supporters.

We're looking for a reporter who can combine traditional football journalism skills with a modern digital mindset. You will attend press conferences, cover matches home and away, build strong contacts, uncover exclusives and create content that drives audiences, subscriptions and engagement.

Whether it's breaking transfer news, producing live match coverage, securing exclusive interviews or creating video content from Vicarage Road, you'll be at the heart of the conversation around Watford FC.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exclusive Watford FC news, features and analysis.
• Attend matches, press conferences and club events.
• Build a strong network of contacts within football and the local community.
• Produce live blogs and rolling coverage on matchdays and during key news events.
• Create engaging digital content that attracts and retains audiences.
• Film and produce video content for social and digital platforms, including pieces to camera
• Use analytics, SEO tools and audience insight to identify growth opportunities.
• Work with AI-assisted newsroom tools to improve efficiency while maintaining the highest journalistic standards.
• Contribute to print, digital and subscriber products across the Watford Observer portfolio.
• Develop content that grows loyal audiences and encourages subscriptions.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• NCTJ qualification or equivalent journalism experience.
• Strong knowledge of football and a passion for telling stories that matter to supporters.
• Excellent news sense and an ability to find original angles.
• Experience reporting on sport and football
• Strong writing, interviewing and communication skills.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Confidence using social media for reporting and audience engagement.
• Ability to shoot photographs and basic video content on mobile devices.
• Understanding of SEO, audience analytics and digital publishing.
• A proactive attitude and determination to beat competitors to stories.

Desirable

• Experience covering professional football.
• Video editing and social media content creation skills.
• Knowledge of Watford FC and the local sporting landscape.
• Existing contacts within football.

Why join us?

You'll be joining an ambitious newsroom investing in original journalism, video content, audience growth and innovative newsroom tools. We believe great journalism starts with great reporters, and we'll give you the support, training and opportunities to develop your career while covering one of the country's most passionately supported football clubs.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan
• Employee Helpline counselling and advice
• Perks & discounts including:
• Gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care
• Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day

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