Hiring the right journalists is one of the most critical decisions senior newsroom managers make. The following guide is designed to help editors choose the right candidates.
The skills and qualities managers prioritise when hiring new staff not only help shape the tone and credibility of their news coverage, they also determine how well their organisation adapts to future opportunities.
As audiences become more discerning and technology continues to transform how news is gathered and consumed, it’s essential to look beyond traditional competencies.
Managers must identify both the core and emerging skills that will enable their teams to produce journalism that is rigorous, innovative, and relevant.
Equally important is the commitment to developing these skills for the benefit of the journalists themselves, the news business, and the audiences they serve.
This guide outlines what to look for when hiring journalists today, and how to foster ongoing professional growth in the newsroom.
Core journalistic skills
Senior newsroom managers should prioritise candidates who demonstrate a robust foundation in the core skills of journalism.
This includes the ability to report accurately and quickly, write clearly and engagingly, and maintain high standards of verification and fact-checking.
Strong research, interviewing, and editing abilities are essential, as is an understanding of media law, ethics, and the importance of impartiality.
Digital and technical proficiency
In today’s newsrooms, journalists must be comfortable with a range of digital tools and platforms.
This means proficiency in content management systems, social media, multimedia production, and basic data analysis.
Familiarity with SEO (search engine optimisation) and online publishing best practices is increasingly valuable, as is the ability to adapt writing style for different digital formats.
Critical thinking and curiosity
Effective journalists are naturally curious, sceptical without being cynical. They are able to see both the bigger picture and the finer details.
They should be adept at asking probing questions, spotting stories in complex data, and explaining intricate subjects in accessible language.
These qualities help ensure coverage is both rigorous and relevant to diverse audiences.
Creativity and idea generation
The ability to generate original story ideas and new angles on ongoing issues is highly prized.
Journalists should be able to pitch well-developed concepts that demonstrate an understanding of audience needs and the publication’s editorial priorities.
Creativity extends to storytelling techniques, use of multimedia, and innovative approaches to audience engagement.
Communication and collaboration
Newsrooms rely on teamwork and effective communication. Journalists must be able to work collaboratively across editorial, product, and data teams, and communicate clearly with colleagues, sources, and the public.
Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build rapport with people from all backgrounds are vital, especially as newsrooms seek to reflect and serve increasingly diverse communities.
Adaptability and resilience
The media landscape is fast-changing, and journalists need to be flexible, open to learning new skills, and resilient in the face of shifting priorities or challenging assignments.
The ability to handle feedback constructively and adapt to new technologies or workflows is crucial for long-term success.
Developing staff skills
Structured training and mentoring
News organisations should invest in ongoing training programmes that cover both foundational and emerging skills.
Mentoring schemes, where experienced journalists support newer colleagues, can accelerate learning and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Regular workshops on digital tools, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling help keep skills current.
Encouraging diversity and inclusion
Actively recruiting journalists from a range of backgrounds brings fresh perspectives and helps newsrooms better understand and serve their audiences.
Providing support networks, inclusive editorial policies, and opportunities for underrepresented voices to lead on coverage are key to nurturing diverse talent.
Fostering creativity and innovation
Creating an environment where journalists are encouraged to experiment with new formats, storytelling techniques, and audience engagement strategies benefits both the business and its readers.
Managers should recognise and reward initiative, and provide time and resources for journalists to develop and pitch new ideas.
Prioritising well-being and resilience
Supporting journalists’ mental health and well-being is essential for sustaining high performance and creativity.
This can be achieved through flexible working arrangements, access to counselling or peer support, and a culture that values work-life balance.
Continuous feedback and performance review
Regular, constructive feedback helps journalists identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Performance reviews should be forward-looking, focusing on professional development and aligning individual goals with the organisation’s mission.
Benefits of staff development
- For journalists: A clear focus on skill development leads to greater job satisfaction, career progression, and the ability to produce impactful work.
- For the news business: Investing in skills ensures a more agile, innovative, and competitive newsroom, able to adapt to changing audience demands and technological advances.
- For the audience: Skilled, diverse, and well-supported journalists produce higher-quality, more relevant, and trustworthy journalism, strengthening public trust and engagement.
By systematically identifying, hiring for, and developing these core and emerging skills, senior newsroom managers can build teams that are not only fit for today’s challenges but are also well-placed to shape the future of journalism.
