The Audience team is at the heart of The Economist’s digital strategy. It distributes our journalism via posts on social-media sites including Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, WhatsApp, TikTok and YouTube; through 22 newsletters, 18 of which are exclusive to our subscribers; by sending notifications to multiple apps; and by ensuring that search engines can locate and recommend our work. Through these platforms we identify our next generation of readers and build relationships with existing subscribers, all while remaining true to our 180-year-old brand.

Audience journalists collaborate with our 300-strong global newsroom to accurately, responsibly and speedily promote our articles, podcasts, videos and special projects. They are innovative, unstoppable newshounds with a deep interest in, and knowledge of, geopolitics, business and finance, as well as how the publishing industry is changing and new forms of distribution for digital news. Their writing is crisp and concise; their attention to detail is superb; and they can quickly master and recall our style guide. They understand how The Economist’s coverage differs from that of other publishers, and the risks to our reputation should even a single word be misconstrued.

We are hiring three Audience Fellows, ideally on 12-month contracts. They must be able to start work in London by the end of August 2025 (we advertise other fellowships throughout the year if this timeframe is infeasible). Fellows, or interns, turn articles, podcasts and videos in every area we cover—from business, finance and geopolitics and science, technology and culture—into punchy, succinct social-media posts that are customised by platform. They work on digital storytelling in several different formats, from producing graphics to scripting Instagram carousels and stories or writing polls. They also help to plan coverage for big events, and liaise closely with our digital newsdesk, as well as producing some newsletters. Generally they do not create short- or long-form videos, which are made by a separate department. However, there are opportunities to shadow other teams, and to occasionally pitch articles, during each fellowship.

Those in contention generally have some experience of writing or publishing, perhaps through local internships or a university or college newsroom, or by telling engaging stories online. They may also have gained NCTJ-style training that has introduced them to the ins and outs of journalism and areas such as media law, reporting and style guides. They avoid common mistakes in their applications and show a solid grasp of The Economist, its work and its priority platforms when outlining why they are right for the fellowship.

Application Assessment

To apply, you should submit an assessment of no more than 300 words explaining firstly the most relevant skills you would bring to the role, and secondly how you think we should be deploying artificial-intelligence technology within our department.

This assessment is the most important part of your application, so make sure you explain your proposals thoroughly and clearly. Initially we will read it blind, without looking at your name. Only if what is submitted fits with what we are looking for will we examine your accompanying material. We will not consider applications sent without an assessment.

How To Apply

Please email your assessment, a CV and a brief cover note to edsocialjob@economist.com, stating clearly that you are applying for the role of Audience Fellow. The closing date is the end of Tuesday April 15th 2025.

All applicants must be based in the United Kingdom to take up the role. They must already hold residency, citizenship or a visa that allows them to live and work in London immediately (and, indeed, for their entire 12-month contract), without the need for any additional immigration-related process. This is non-negotiable, and we cannot sponsor candidates.

Our team is expected to attend our main newsroom in central London for, on average, two to three days per week. There will be some out-of-hours working, on a rota basis: typically this would mean one week per month of late (afternoon/evening) shifts and one weekend in about eight, albeit that the news agenda can affect this. Fellows have an annual salary of £28,700.

Note that we are also recruiting an Audience Editor on a permanent contract.

The Economist Group values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age.