Laura Armstrong
Bishop’s Stortford,Hertfordshire
Summary
Award-winning journalist and media relations consultant with 11 years of national newspaper experience at editor level. An accomplished storyteller, who has been leading teams of journalists since 2013 and consistently demonstrated the ability to create engaging content that captures new perspectives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Goldbug
London
2024.11 - Current
- Led proactive press team, creating and delivering more than 10 successful media campaigns for global brands.
- Tapped into current trends to commission research and interviews to generate top tier coverage for corporate clients, including front page national stories.
- Negotiated strong brand partnerships with high profile individuals, working closely with their PR teams to ensure interests aligned.
- Arranged and oversaw media interviews with personal PR clients.
- Demonstrated advanced understanding of media law and IPSO regulations to represent clients facing high-stakes reputation management issues.
Assistant Editor
Sunday Mirror
London
2021.02 - 2024.10
- Edited the Sunday Mirror, leading coverage of breaking news and exclusive content across all departments.
- Led a fast-paced newsroom, demonstrating good judgement and a consistent commitment to the demands of our audience under pressure.
- Used a strong understanding of news, politics, features and entertainment to commission engaging and insightful content.
- Collaborated with staff writers and freelance contributors in order to ensure stories and interviews reached their potential.
- Maintained an extensive network of PR and publishing contacts and regularly negotiated major interviews and collaborations.
- Demonstrated practical expertise in media law and IPSO regulations, navigating complex disputes with legal team support.
Assistant Editor (Showbiz)
The Sun on Sunday
London
2022.09 - 2023.02
- Led The Sun on Sunday’s Showbiz Department, covering current events and breaking news stories.
- Led negotiations with PR teams under time pressure, crafting innovative solutions to resolve disputes.
- Managed an extremely experienced team of journalists, overseeing in excess of 20 stories every week.
- Named The Sun on Sunday’s chief interviewer.
- Nominated for The Press Awards Showbiz Reporter of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
- Nominated for Arts and Entertainment Journalism at The British Journalism Awards in 2022.
TV and Showbiz Editor
The Sun on Sunday
London
2013.07 - 2022.07
- Edited The Sun on Sunday's showbiz column.
- Managed a team of reporters, overseeing 15-20 stories per week.
- Established strong relationships with prominent PR teams, liaising with them frequently regarding clients.
- Developed strong practical knowledge of media law and IPSO regulations.
- Won The Press Awards Showbiz Reporter Award, 2017.
- Nominated for The Press Awards Showbiz Reporter Award, 2018.
TV Reporter
The Sun
London
2012.07 - 2013.07
- Generated exclusive content on a daily basis as part of a highly proactive reporting team.
- Covered high profile events effectively under pressure of tight deadlines, both abroad and in the UK.
- Built an extensive, industry-wide network of contacts.
News Reporter (Graduate Trainee)
The Daily Mirror/Sunday Mirror/The People
London
2007.10 - 2012.07
- Covered exclusive content, current events and breaking news for Trinity Mirror titles.
- Completed three month secondments in The Daily Mirror's offices in Manchester, Dublin and Belfast during four year graduate training scheme.
- Joined The People as a Feature Writer following completion of this scheme.
- Nominated for The Press Awards Young Journalist Award, 2011.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Journalism
Press Association Training
2007.10 - 2007.12
Post Graduate Diploma - Journalism
London College of Communication
2006.09 - 2007.07
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Southampton
2003.10 - 2006.07
Skills
- Journalism
- Media operations understanding
- Dispute resolution
- Libel, IPSO and Ofcom
- Editing and review
- Digital editing
- Content development
- Interviewing skills
Timeline
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Goldbug
2024.11 - Current
Assistant Editor (Showbiz)
The Sun on Sunday
2022.09 - 2023.02
Assistant Editor
Sunday Mirror
2021.02 - 2024.10
TV and Showbiz Editor
The Sun on Sunday
2013.07 - 2022.07
TV Reporter
The Sun
2012.07 - 2013.07
News Reporter (Graduate Trainee)
The Daily Mirror/Sunday Mirror/The People
2007.10 - 2012.07
Diploma of Higher Education - Journalism
Press Association Training
2007.10 - 2007.12
Post Graduate Diploma - Journalism
London College of Communication
2006.09 - 2007.07
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Southampton
2003.10 - 2006.07