Spotlight Sports Group is a global media and technology company specialising in sports betting content and data. With more than 450 staff, the business operates multiple award-winning brands, including Racing Post, the world’s largest horse racing affiliate, Pickswise, the #1 post-PASPA affiliate in the US, myracing and Free Super Tips. Our other businesses in the group are ICS-digital and ICS-translate. Our global B2B division provides sports betting and fantasy sports content, including in-play, through the EGR award-winning Superfeed product.

The Racing Post is looking for a talented, enthusiastic and driven individual to develop a career in horseracing journalism, helping create and prepare content for our daily newspaper, app, website and other outlets under the Spotlight Sports Group umbrella.

As a Trainee Racing Journalist in our editorial team, you will work across a wide range of tasks including writing news stories and features, editing the work of others for publication in print and online, live coverage, racecourse reporting and more. 

You must be hard working, ambitious, be comfortable working at pace, have strong writing ability and a passion for horseracing. An ability to learn quickly, grasp opportunities and develop a feel for the stories that matter to our readers will also be important. Training and mentoring will be provided, and you'll have the opportunity to work closely with our team of award-winning reporters and editors in a fast-paced and exciting publishing environment.

This job is based in London and trainee journalists are expected to work from our office on the South Bank on a regular basis (usually 2-3 days weekly), alongside home working and occasional travel around Britain for reporting duties.

Requirements

Responsibilities: 

• Research, write and edit compelling news, features, special reports, interviews and other content
• Prepare content for publication in line with required publishing standards, paying close attention to accuracy, headlines and picture choice 
• Develop an appreciation of our audience so as to tailor content for maximum impact
• Pitch story ideas to editors and execute those ideas with flair 
• Monitor the daily news environment in racing, betting and beyond to identify and report upon potential items of interest
• Produce audio and video output as part of editorial content packages
• Adhere to and stay up to date with media and copyright laws
• Any other duties as required

Requirements:

• Keen interest in horse racing and an understanding of betting
• Ability to work under pressure on varied tasks with demanding deadlines
• High standard of written English
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to use initiative and work without supervision
• Excellent communication skills

Benefits

We offer a range of well-being initiatives, including private medical insurance, excellent parental leave, a working globally policy, mental health support, assistance programs, and social gatherings. We also provide a pension scheme and various other benefit schemes. Plus, we all get our birthdays off work and enjoy 25 days of holiday per year.

We’ve also got you covered with life assurance and exclusive perks like the Star card and our Step Further Awards (our employee recognition program) to recognise your dedication. For those working via the hybrid model (in the office and at home) we’ve made commuting easier with our Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work Scheme.

You can also take advantage of complimentary access to our Racing Post Members Club, complete with an Ultimate Membership. We believe in making a positive impact beyond the workplace, and you'll have the chance to volunteer two days per year with our charity partner, Autism in Racing.

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