The Guardian is opening applications for a new digital journalist scheme offering 40 positions to journalists and content professionals looking to develop their technical and editorial skills across multiple digital platforms. The scheme is aimed at candidates with at least two to three years of experience in areas including video, audio, photography, text, social media or audience content. Successful participants will have the opportunity to broaden their capabilities across different forms of digital journalism while working in a major international news organisation. The positions offer a stated salary of £48,000, with applications closing on 8 October 2026. Applications are being managed in partnership with Creative Access. About The Guardian Digital Journalist Scheme The new scheme is designed for journalists who want to develop multi-platform technical skills rather than focusing exclusively on one form of journalism. Participants can develop experience across areas such as: Audio Video Photography Written journalism Social media Audience engagement Digital content production The programme reflects the increasingly multi-platform nature of modern journalism, where reporters and content producers may be expected to work across several formats and digital channels. For candidates who already have experience in one or more areas, the scheme provides an opportunity to expand their technical range and develop a broader digital journalism portfolio. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is aimed at applicants with at least two to three years of experience in one or more relevant areas. Importantly, the experience does not necessarily have to come from a traditional newsroom. Candidates may have developed relevant experience through: Journalism Publishing Digital media Audio production Video production Content creation Local or regional publications Freelance journalism Community media Independent media Personal journalism projects Platforms such as Substack This broad approach means candidates can demonstrate their experience through different professional and creative pathways. Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant experience and a genuine interest in developing their multi-platform journalism skills. Skills Across Multiple Media Formats One of the central features of the scheme is the opportunity to develop technical capabilities across several forms of journalism. Audio: Participants can build skills relevant to audio storytelling, production and digital publishing. Video: Video production is increasingly important for digital news organisations, particularly for social platforms and online audiences. Photography: Visual journalism can help reporters communicate stories through images and multimedia formats. Text: Strong written journalism remains central to digital publishing, including reporting, research, interviews and storytelling. Social: Social media skills can help journalists distribute stories, engage audiences and understand how different platforms influence news consumption. Audience: Audience-focused journalism involves understanding readers and viewers, using insights and engagement data to help develop and distribute content. The multi-platform focus can therefore be particularly relevant to journalists seeking to combine editorial skills with modern digital production techniques. Experience Does Not Have to Follow a Traditional Route The Guardian’s description of the scheme recognises that journalism experience can be developed through a variety of routes. Candidates who have worked for local or regional publications may be eligible, as may freelance journalists and people who have contributed to community or independent media. Applicants who have created their own journalism portfolios can also potentially demonstrate relevant experience. For example, individuals may have built a portfolio through platforms such as Substack, alongside other forms of independent content production. This provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate practical work and skills rather than relying solely on experience gained within large media organisations. Salary and Opportunity The advertised salary for the positions is £48,000. The scheme offers an opportunity to develop a broader technical skill set while gaining experience within one of the world’s established news organisations. For journalists who have already developed expertise in one area, expanding into video, audio, photography, social and audience work can help create a more versatile professional profile. The scheme may therefore appeal to journalists and digital content professionals who want to strengthen their ability to produce journalism for different formats and platforms. How to Prepare an Application Candidates should ensure that their applications clearly demonstrate their relevant professional or portfolio experience. A strong application can highlight specific examples of journalism or digital content work, particularly where the candidate has demonstrated skills in more than one format. Applicants may also wish to showcase: Published journalism Video or audio projects Photography work Social media content Audience engagement projects Freelance assignments Community journalism Digital publishing projects Personal portfolios or newsletters Candidates should carefully follow the application instructions provided by The Guardian and Creative Access. Application Deadline Applications for the digital journalist scheme close on 8 October 2026. Because candidates are expected to demonstrate two to three years of relevant experience, applicants should prepare their CV, portfolio and examples of previous work before beginning the application. Key Details Organisation: The GuardianOpportunity: Digital Journalist SchemeNumber of positions: 40Experience: At least 2–3 years in a relevant areaSalary: £48,000Focus: Multi-platform digital journalismSkills: Video, audio, photography, text, social and audience contentApplication partner: Creative AccessDeadline: 8 October 2026 Final Thoughts The Guardian’s new digital journalist scheme provides 40 positions for journalists and content professionals seeking to expand their capabilities across multiple digital formats. The scheme recognises experience gained through traditional journalism, digital media, freelance work, local and regional publications, community media and independent content creation. This makes it relevant to professionals who have developed their journalism careers through different pathways. With a stated salary of £48,000 and a focus on multi-platform technical development, the opportunity could provide valuable professional experience for journalists looking to strengthen their audio, video, photography, text, social and audience skills. Interested candidates should review the official application information and submit their applications before the 8 October 2026 deadline. LEARN MORE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Important: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organisation. This opportunity is shared for informational purposes based on the official announcement. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, application documents, deadline details and submission procedures directly with Umeå University before applying. GSO does not accept applications or CVs on behalf of applicants. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW