Key Media interview questions

There were four stages to the application process: a timed written test, a preliminary interview, an interview with the editor, and then a (paid) article. I was given around two business days to complete the article - and it asked for 1-3 interviews with high-up industry experts. Securing these with no prior contacts/relationships in the time given was incredibly difficult; I understand journalism involves strict deadlines but considering the amount Key Media expect from you during the application process, the communication from them is absolutely shocking. I did the paid test in the first week of December and they then asked for references. They contacted my referees (who both promptly replied)... and then I didn't hear back from them for weeks. I was told I would "definitely" hear back before the holidays. I didn't hear from them again until the 5th January, when they reached out to check I was still interested in the role and to reassure me they expected to make a final decision before the end of the week. Cut to 13th January when I reached out AGAIN to check whether they would notify unsuccessful candidates, and within the hour received a stock rejection email. I understand stock rejections are nothing unusual but considering the effort that went into the task, the fact they contacted my referees, and the fact they reached out to check I was still interested, I think this is very poor behaviour. Reading the other reviews here makes me think the rejection is a blessing in disguise.

Applied and received an email two days later asking when I would be available to complete a one-hour writing test. The test involved writing a 400-800 word news story based on a press release on the publication of the FCA's non-financial misconduct survey. There were also several long quotes from executives at the bottom. It was up to me to choose the story angle. The instructions also stated I could supplement the contents of the press release with my own research and made-up quotes from and paraphrasing of appropriate sources. As someone who doesn't have much knowledge of this industry, this task was quite difficult to complete in one hour. You have to read the press release, come up with an engaging/unique angle (this requires some research), come up with a good headline, decide which quotes you're using and cutting, then write the article while ensuring it is well structured and grammatically correct. More than two weeks after completing the test, I received a template rejection email. I don't believe it is fair that candidates who have taken the time to complete a test should receive a template rejection. I emailed asking for feedback but did not receive a response so followed up a week later. Eventually I received feedback that while my writing was clear and well-structured, I stayed too close to the original press release. Although I agreed with the feedback, I felt that this task did not provide the best opportunity/time to showcase my abilities. I worked in B2B media for more than two years and spent over a year working as a journalist writing multiple news articles a day about complex industries so I don’t think this is a matter of journalistic or writing ability.