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 30 newsletters, 20 of which are exclusive to our subscribers; by sending notifications to multiple apps; and by ensuring that search engines and large language models 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 183-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.

The Role

Audience Editors work across social media, newsletters, notifications and emerging platforms including Apple News, Google Showcase and Substack. They turn articles, podcasts and other media 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 devise forms of digital storytelling across several formats, from creating graphics to scripting Instagram carousels and stories or writing polls. They produce newsletters for our own subscribers and for wider audiences on the likes of LinkedIn and Substack. They monitor analytics and use these data to inform, rather than dictate, their decision-making processes. Generally they do not commission or make short- or long-form videos or podcasts, which are handled by separate departments. However, they do take the lead on individual platforms and projects, and liaise closely with colleagues in our Marketing team on activities intended to increase traffic, registrations and subscriptions.

This editor should have at least two years of Audience-focused experience in a newsroom or similar editorial environment. They will be able to cite example after example of success in reaching different audiences, generating high-quality engagement and working well as part of a team. They may 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 will show a solid grasp of The Economist, its journalism and its priorities, from platforms to business models.

Our team is expected to attend our main newsroom in central London for two to three days per week. There is some out-of-hours working, on a rota basis: typically this means one week per month of late (afternoon/evening) shifts and one weekend in about six, albeit that the news agenda can affect this.

How To Apply

To apply, you should submit an assessment of no more than 400 words. Please spend the first third explaining why The Economist is the right fit for you, and the rest outlining how you would have promoted on our social platforms any or all of these three recent articles:

• Ignore AI and ask for that pay rise
• What if the machines take over science?
• The AI industry’s gigantic debts are making investors nervous

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 without an assessment. Although the articles are about AI, you must not use this technology to write or prepare any element of it. It is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own writing prowess and your understanding of The Economist.

Please email your assessment, a CV and a brief cover note to edsocialjob@economist.com. The closing date is the end of Sunday November 22nd 2026. The salary will be in the region of £35,000, depending upon experience.

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.