About Company
MEN Media, a proud part of Reach PLC, is at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant media landscape. For decades, we’ve been the trusted voice for local news, events, and culture, connecting communities and celebrating the rich tapestry of life across Greater Manchester. Our mission is to inform, entertain, and inspire our readers, championing local talent and providing comprehensive coverage that matters. From breaking news to in-depth features, and crucially, a dedicated focus on the thriving music and entertainment scene, we are committed to delivering high-quality, engaging content across our digital platforms and print publications. Joining MEN Media means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to storytelling, innovation, and making a real impact in the lives of millions. We foster a dynamic and collaborative environment where creativity is encouraged, and journalistic integrity is paramount.
Job Description
Are you deeply embedded in Manchester’s music scene? Do you live and breathe new releases, local gigs, and the stories behind the artists? MEN Media is searching for a passionate and skilled Music Journalist to join our dynamic entertainment team. This is an incredible opportunity for an aspiring or established writer to carve out a significant career in entertainment media, focusing specifically on the diverse and electrifying world of music in Didsbury, Manchester, and beyond.
In this role, you will be responsible for conceptualising, researching, writing, and editing compelling music-related content across our various platforms. From insightful album reviews and captivating artist interviews to breaking news about local venues and festival coverage, your words will resonate with a vast audience of music lovers. You’ll attend live events, build relationships with PR contacts, artists, and venues, and become an authoritative voice in Manchester’s music discourse. We are looking for someone with an eagle eye for detail, a distinctive writing style, and an unwavering commitment to journalistic standards. You will contribute to our digital strategy, ensuring your content is optimized for search engines and reaches the widest possible readership, engaging audiences through interactive features and social media promotion. This career path offers significant growth potential within a leading regional media organisation, allowing you to develop your portfolio, network extensively, and truly make your mark on the music journalism landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Research, write, and edit engaging news stories, features, reviews, and interviews related to the music industry.
- Attend live music events, concerts, and festivals to provide timely and comprehensive coverage.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with artists, publicists, record labels, and venue owners.
- Generate original content ideas and pitches that align with our editorial strategy and audience interests.
- Optimize content for SEO to maximize reach and visibility across digital platforms.
- Promote published work across social media channels to drive engagement and traffic.
- Contribute to multimedia content, including potentially assisting with video interviews or podcast segments.
- Stay updated on emerging music trends, artists, and industry developments.
- Collaborate effectively with editors, photographers, and other team members.
- Adhere to strict journalistic ethics, accuracy, and deadlines.
Required Skills
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
- Deep knowledge and passion for various music genres, particularly those prominent in Manchester's scene.
- Proven experience in journalism or content creation, preferably within music or entertainment.
- Strong interviewing and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in SEO best practices for content creation.
- Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS).
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Active presence and understanding of social media platforms.
Preferred Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Media Studies, English, Music, or a related field.
- A strong portfolio of published music or entertainment articles.
- Experience with multimedia content creation (e.g., audio editing, basic video production).
- Existing network within the Manchester music industry.
- Experience working with digital analytics tools.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Access to a wide range of industry events and networking opportunities.
- Employee assistance program.
- Dynamic and supportive team environment.
- Hybrid work model for flexibility.
How to Apply
To embark on this exciting career path as a Music Journalist with MEN Media, please submit your application through the link below. Ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your passion for music, your journalistic experience, and any relevant portfolio links. We look forward to discovering your talent!