Trainee Journalist - The Sydney Morning Herald

The Sydney Morning Herald attracts more than 7 million readers a month across digital and print. It has a rich history of courageous, quality, independent journalism. While today's newsroom is digitally focused, in print, the Herald is the oldest continuously published newspaper in Australia, keeping our city informed since 1831.

Our team comprises hundreds of Australia’s best journalists, photographers, editors, sub editors and designers. We are passionate about what we do and we are always looking for ways to do it better. We embrace the history that comes with working for the Herald whilst operating out of the most modern, advanced newsroom in the country.

The Sydney Morning Herald is seeking trainees for our Sydney newsroom. The traineeship program is a rare opportunity for aspiring journalists to learn the craft alongside award-winning journalists and editors.

Day to day you will:

• Focus on developing reporting and production skills
• Create impactful journalism
• Work across different parts of the newsroom 
• Be mentored by colleagues

To be successful, you will be passionate about The Sydney Morning Herald and excited about a career in journalism. 

You must have excellent writing and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of news and current affairs, and a curiosity about people and issues. We are particularly interested in applicants with a passion for data journalism and visual storytelling.

These positions are 12-month fixed-term contracts with the potential to secure a permanent role at the end of the contract. The traineeships are full-time rostered positions and could involve shift work including weekends. The Trainee Journalist salary is $61,300.20 + superannuation. 

To apply for the program, you must submit the following: 

• Resume 
• Three pieces of your own published journalism including at least one in written form (publication could include in a university magazine or newspaper, blog or other media outlet). 
• A discussion piece of a maximum of 500 words responding to one of the following questions

1. What do you believe to be the core traits of independent journalism? What do media organisations have to do to protect their reputations?

2. The cost of living is front of mind for most Australians. How would you explore this topic in an original way for our readers?

Please ensure all of your application materials are attached as one PDF document.

Applications will close 5:00pm on 8/4/2024. Traineeships will commence early July 2024.

What we would like to see:

• Tertiary qualifications are preferred but not essential. These qualifications are not limited to journalism, media or communications studies - we encourage individuals with an aptitude for journalism and a portfolio of written work to apply
• Ability to generate story ideas including identifying news angles
• Ability to manage deadlines
• Understanding of news issues and current affairs
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Please note: In order to be considered, you must have full working rights in Australia or be an Australian / New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

At Nine, we are committed to fostering a workforce that embraces all aspects of diversity and inclusion and where practices are equitable to ensure our people experience a sense of belonging. From day one, you'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and will be supported to perform at your best. Should you require any adjustments to the recruitment process in order to equitably participate, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures.

Disclaimer: We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.