Freelance Journalists

Freelance Journalists

Doha News, Qatar's leading independent news outlet, is seeking talented, Qatar based journalists (with existing QID and legal status to work in Qatar).

As an expanding outlet, we have fantastic opportunities for freelance journalists to join the team. Operating across multiple platforms, we are looking for candidates who can demonstrate proven experience in using digital media to enhance the reach and influence of their journalism.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong track record in journalism, with excellent storytelling skills and a solid understanding of the media landscape in Qatar and the wider MENA region. You will apply your journalistic expertise to produce reporting that is informative, factually accurate, fair and balanced. We operate in a fast-paced news environment, requiring a high level of self-discipline and a strong work ethic to operate independently on deployments. You will be a self-starter, consistently contributing original story ideas. Alongside excellent communication and team-working skills, experience in self-shooting and live reporting is desirable. You will also be expected to develop your camera skills to support our newsgathering and storytelling.

We welcome applications from candidates who are passionate about human interest storytelling and who can demonstrate the skills and experience required to ensure our output, across all platforms, continues to embody Doha News ethos as a distinctive and trusted news service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Consistently generate original, creative story ideas that shape the daily news agenda across digital platforms
• Research, develop and deliver stories thoroughly and imaginatively for online output
• Demonstrate strong editorial judgement, maintaining high journalistic standards and adhering to the Doha News style guide and standard operating procedures
• Identify and secure compelling contributors who enhance storytelling
• Write clear, accurate and engaging scripts
• Self-shoot material where appropriate, ensuring a high production standard
• Meet deadlines consistently, respond swiftly to breaking news, and liaise closely with the editorial leadership throughout the day

Skills required:

• Proven ability to generate, research and develop original, impactful, and distinctive story ideas, taking a creative approach to storytelling, treatments, and production to deliver high-quality reports for online platforms
• Strong and creative writing skills, with impeccable spelling and grammar
• Ability to work effectively to deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivation, initiative, and the ability to think quickly with strong, decisive decision-making skills
• Willingness and ability to self-shoot items, including live coverage, to a professional standard
• Enthusiasm for embracing new technologies and evolving workflows
• Strong understanding of digital platforms, including social media, with experience of using these channels to extend the reach of journalism and attract new audiences
• Calmness, resilience, and attention to detail in a busy, high-pressure newsroom environment
• Culturally sensitive and globally minded with an understanding of Qatar's local context

Showreel Required:

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be assessed on their showreel, which should demonstrate:

• Confident and effective communication skills, with a proven ability to identify contributors and put them at ease to bring out the strongest possible storytelling
• The ability to present professionally, communicate clearly, and deliver scripts or interviews in a manner that is both authoritative and natural
• Technical skills that maximise the impact of a story across packages, live coverage and online content

Newsrooms are often busy and pressurised, involving live news production and requiring colleagues to make quick decisions under pressure. We are looking for individuals who can use their initiative, particularly in editorial roles, and know what information is required and how to research it effectively.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV, cover letter, 3-5 writing samples and showreel to [Confidential Information]

Please note: only successful candidates will be contacted.