Reach appoints first community news reporters under Facebook-funded scheme

Reach has appointed its first community news reporters paid for by a Facebook-funded scheme run by the UK’s main journalism training body.

The publisher of the Mirror, Express and Star newspapers is set to receive 28 out of a total of 82 local reporters being hired through the Community News Project and paid for by a £4.5m grant from the tech giant.

Its first community news reporters have been placed in counties and cities across the country – including Bristol, Derby and Surrey.

Facebook revealed it would be funding project in November, pledging to pay the salaries, expenses and training costs for new journalists.

Behind Local News, a blog run by publishers, has reported that recruits from the scheme will go on a “Facebook bootcamp” in the summer before starting training with the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Speaking to the website, new Derbyshire Live community reporter Ria Tesia said: “I am thrilled to be a part of the Reach family. I am an avid reader of the Derby Telegraph and have been since university.

“I look forward to working with a talented team whose warm welcome has already made me feel like a valued member of the team.”

Wales Online hire Kynaat Awan added: “I look forward to the training I will receive and making those important contacts in the community. I hope to grow in my confidence and writing skills throughout my experience.”

Rival regional publisher Newsquest has also taken on its first set of community news reporters, including a 36-year-old from Poland now living in Bicester. It will take on 23 reporters in total under the scheme.

The breakdown of community reporters being assigned to publishers is as follows: