Radio News Manager

Full-time | In Person | Rochester, Kent

Are you an experienced broadcast journalist who knows what makes a great local story?

Can you lead a newsroom, deliver a strong bulletin and stay calm when breaking news changes everything?

We’re looking for a Radio News Manager to lead the news operation for kmfm, delivering relevant, engaging and trusted local news to audiences across Kent.

This is a genuinely hands-on role. You’ll be on air, setting the daily news agenda, managing and supporting the team, responding to major stories and helping us develop our news output across radio, podcasts and social media.

You won’t be managing from the sidelines. You’ll need to be equally comfortable behind the microphone, making editorial decisions and ensuring the newsroom runs smoothly every day.

The role

Based at our Rochester studios, you’ll take responsibility for the quality, accuracy and relevance of kmfm’s radio news output.

You’ll:

• Broadcast live and pre-recorded news bulletins.
• Set and shape the daily radio news agenda.
• Lead, coach and support the radio news team.
• Manage rotas and ensure appropriate cover across the newsroom.
• Oversee the daily KentOnline news podcast.
• Respond quickly and confidently to breaking news and major incidents.
• Develop kmfm news content across social media, growing reach, engagement and commercial opportunities.
• Review existing workflows and look for efficiencies.
• Work closely with KentOnline, KMTV, our newspaper teams and the wider KM Media Group.
• Maintain the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, impartiality and legal compliance.

About you

You’ll already have strong broadcast journalism experience within radio, and a confident, natural on-air delivery.

You’ll have excellent news judgement and understand how to turn local stories into concise, engaging radio bulletins that matter to listeners.

You’ll also bring:

• Experience leading, managing or supporting a team.
• Strong writing, editing and audio production skills.
• The ability to work calmly and accurately under pressure.
• A good understanding of media law, Ofcom requirements and editorial compliance.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive approach to improving content, workflows and team performance.
• The confidence to work across radio, digital, podcasts and social media.
• Experience using Adobe Audition, RCS Burli and Google Workspace would be useful, although training can be provided.

An NCTJ / BJTC or equivalent journalism qualification alongside relevant industry experience is expected.

Above all, you’ll understand that brilliant local radio news is about more than reading headlines. It’s about knowing your audience, finding the stories that matter and telling them clearly, quickly and with personality.

The details

This is a full-time role based at our studios in Rochester, Kent.

Holiday allowance, pension and other benefits will be provided in line with company policy.

How to apply

Please send your CV, an example recent bulletin and a covering note explaining why you would be a great fit for the role.

We’d particularly like to hear about your broadcast experience, your approach to leading a newsroom and what you believe makes brilliant local radio news.

Email Rob Wills, Head of Broadcast - rwills@kmfm.co.uk