About Company
Didsbury Life Magazine is the leading community publication dedicated to celebrating everything vibrant and unique about Didsbury, Manchester. For over a decade, we’ve been the trusted voice for local news, events, businesses, and the cultural pulse of our beloved neighbourhood. We pride ourselves on creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with our readers, connecting them to the heart and soul of Didsbury. Our mission is to foster a strong sense of community, highlight local talent, and keep residents informed and entertained with stories that matter most to them. We believe in the power of local journalism to enrich lives and strengthen community bonds, and we’re passionate about bringing the best of Didsbury directly to our readership through our print and digital platforms, reflecting the true spirit of this dynamic area.
Job Description
Are you a passionate wordsmith with an ear for melody and a deep understanding of the local music scene? Didsbury Life Magazine is seeking a dynamic and creative Music Journalist to join our editorial team. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Didsbury’s vibrant entertainment landscape, uncovering untold stories, celebrating emerging artists, and providing insightful commentary on local gigs, festivals, and musical trends. You will be instrumental in shaping our entertainment coverage, bringing the sounds and stories of Didsbury’s music culture to our dedicated readership. From intimate acoustic sets in local pubs and cafes to larger community concerts and groundbreaking new talent emerging from the area, your role will involve attending events, conducting engaging interviews with musicians, venue owners, and industry figures, and crafting compelling articles that inform, entertain, and inspire. This position offers a chance to build a strong portfolio, connect with the local arts community, and make a tangible impact on Didsbury’s cultural narrative. If you’re eager to transform your love for music into a captivating career within a supportive local media environment, surrounded by a team that champions local voices and stories, we want to hear from you. We’re looking for someone who can capture the energy and diversity of Didsbury’s music scene, giving our readers an authentic, insider perspective.
Key Responsibilities
- Research, pitch, and write engaging articles, reviews, features, and interviews related to Didsbury's music and broader entertainment scene.
- Attend local music events, gigs, festivals, and launches, often during evenings or weekends, to gather content and conduct on-the-spot reporting.
- Conduct interviews with local musicians, bands, venue managers, promoters, and other key figures in the Didsbury entertainment industry.
- Develop and maintain a robust network of contacts within the local music community to identify new stories and trends.
- Collaborate closely with the editorial team to brainstorm fresh content ideas, plan editorial calendars, and ensure a diverse range of coverage.
- Edit and meticulously proofread your own work to ensure accuracy, grammatical correctness, and strict adherence to Didsbury Life Magazine's established style guide and journalistic standards.
- Utilise multimedia elements (such as photos, videos, or audio snippets) where appropriate to enhance articles and online content, with basic skills preferred and training provided if needed.
- Actively promote published articles across Didsbury Life Magazine's social media platforms to maximise reach, foster community engagement, and drive readership.
- Consistently meet tight deadlines while maintaining high journalistic standards and content quality for both print and digital platforms.
Required Skills
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities with a strong command of English grammar, syntax, and style.
- Demonstrable passion for music across various genres and a genuine, in-depth interest in the local Manchester/Didsbury music scene.
- Proven research and interviewing skills, with the innate ability to build rapport quickly and extract compelling narratives from sources.
- Strong understanding of journalistic ethics, integrity, and best practices in reporting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, comfortable engaging confidently with diverse individuals from various backgrounds.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple assignments efficiently, and meet deadlines consistently in a fast-paced editorial environment.
- Proficiency in basic word processing software and a willingness to learn and adapt to content management systems (CMS).
Preferred Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Media Studies, or a related field.
- Prior experience working as a journalist, content creator, or writer, especially for a publication or platform covering music or local events.
- Basic photography or videography skills and hands-on experience with digital content creation tools.
- Familiarity with SEO principles for optimising online content to increase visibility and readership.
- An active presence and engagement within the Didsbury or wider Manchester music community, demonstrating local knowledge and connections.
Perks & Benefits
- Opportunity to significantly shape the cultural and entertainment content of a respected local publication.
- Direct engagement with Didsbury's vibrant music and entertainment community, building a strong local network.
- Flexible working arrangements (after initial onboarding) to accommodate event attendance and fieldwork.
- Professional development opportunities and mentorship from experienced editors and industry professionals.
- Access to local events, concerts, and exclusive interviews, often before they are widely publicised.
- A supportive, creative, and community-focused team environment that values innovation and local storytelling.
- Making a tangible and positive impact on local culture and community engagement through your work.
How to Apply
If you are ready to hit the right notes with Didsbury Life Magazine, please click on the application link below to submit your comprehensive CV, a compelling cover letter outlining your passion for music journalism and the Didsbury scene, and links to at least three relevant writing samples (e.g., published articles, blog posts, academic essays focusing on music). We eagerly look forward to discovering your talent and passion for local music and journalism!