Trending and Breaking News Reporter

Responsibilities

• Produce noteworthy or trending news coverage that accurately informs, entertains, and engages key audiences and platforms.
• Identify and localize trending news topics to report on for our local audiences. Answer one question well and come back with follow‑up stories based on interest and need. Answer what, who cares, what does it mean?
• Provide thoughtful yet quick‑turn reporting of complex issues.
• Gather and produce engaging visuals in real time for various platforms/socials, including but not limited to galleries, vertical and horizontal video explainers, updates and alternative URLs while news is actively trending.
• Focus reporting on specific local topics, including breaking news and entertainment, to build byline authority, audience loyalty and social media growth on current and future branded accounts.
• Able to multi‑task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing industry.
• Work with editors to evaluate what is working and what is not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with editors and producers to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics).
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Experience with public‑records requests and tracking down court records and other documents is a plus.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of experience working in a news organization, even better if you have covered breaking or trending news in a job or internship.
• Excellent news judgment.
• Familiarity with SEO best practices.
• Top‑point writing and reporting skills.
• Strong command of grammar and style.
• The ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast‑breaking, stressful situations.
• A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work not only independently but also as a key contributor to team/network projects.
• Strong understanding of audience analytics and how to use them to drive content decisions.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• News may require you to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post‑offer pre‑employment background check.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, do not limit your upload to a resume; show us what you have done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

The hourly rate for this role will range between $27.18 and $33.34. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and, based on the role, may be applicable.