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McClatchy

McClatchy is hiring: Service Journalism Reporter in Boise

McClatchy, Boise, ID, United States, 83712


McClatchy is seeking a collaborative, audience-focused reporter for our Northwest service journalism team, whose mission is to help local readers navigate life and the news. This reporter will be based at the Idaho Statesman in Boise, Idaho, one of America's fastest-growing metro areas and a place featured on many national best-of lists for its quality of life.

The service journalism team focuses on listening to and serving our local readers with need-to-know information in an accessible approach that includes news explainers, Q&As, fact checks and reader engagement. We also aim to answer questions that are locally trending on Google Trends.

We dig into city curiosities as well as "talkers" on sites like Nextdoor and Reddit. One day you may write an explainer Q&A on a breaking news event and the next you may write on how to see the northern lights and where Boise ranks in the latest "best city to live in" survey. Reporters also contribute to local and regional news projects and breaking news coverage.

A successful reporter in this role will welcome assignments as well as cultivate and pitch their own ideas. An enthusiasm for working in a team-centered environment that emphasizes support and occasional shared bylines is also essential. A willingness to learn audience development skills, such as digital headline writing and SEO, is a must.

Expertise in a particular subject area is not required, but the successful candidate will bring to the role areas of interest and a deep understanding of what's important to local readers, preferably earned by working as part of a local news outlet.

We have fun, and we write on the news. Here are just a few of the team's stories:
  • What is Boise's air quality today? See real-time updates here as wildfires affect Idaho
  • Fentanyl crimes and preferred pronouns: These 9 Idaho laws take effect on July 1
  • This is the deadliest route in Idaho. It's a popular, well-traveled road north of Boise
  • Citywide minimum wage for 2025 is now set. Here's what the new rate will be

In recent years, our Idaho Statesman team has sparked a change in state law on restraint and seclusion in schools, produced a series of stories spotlighting the individual struggles caused by our housing crisis, and prompted the state to invest $2 billion in school facilities to address their disrepair. That work has resulted in numerous awards, including Idaho Press Club awards for reporter of the year, photographer of the year and sports reporter of the year for 2023 - the second straight year that we swept those awards. We are also a newsroom that competed in coverage with major national and international outlets on the University of Idaho murders case.

The Northwest service journalism team of reporters work across five McClatchy news sites: the Idaho Statesman (this role), and The News Tribune, The Olympian, the Tri-City Herald and The Bellingham Herald in Washington.

In this role, you will need to:
  • Have strong writing and reporting skills, as well as excellent news judgment and journalism ethics. Must be willing to conduct interviews and research in person.
  • Proficiency in handling a fast-paced, deadline-driven role that requires accuracy and adeptness in meeting multiple deadlines.
  • Think about our audiences first and always, with a commitment to growing readership on local and state topics.
  • Have a passion for the written word as well as an interest in video, audio and social graphics.
  • Demonstrate speed, competitiveness and SEO savvy.
  • Work well in a team environment.
  • Be adaptable and excited to experiment with new forms of storytelling and engagement.
  • Regularly uses a computer, often requiring prolonged periods of keyboarding and mouse usage.
  • Data reporting experience is a plus.

Education & experience:
  • College degree or equivalent work experience.
  • At least 1-3 years of reporting and writing experience.


When applying, include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work.

What we'll bring:

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on well-being and daily life, our package options includes healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.

Our overall benefit package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

About McClatchy:

Our impact is growing every day. We have 30 growing news markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 57 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger.

As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of an exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth - a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It's an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We're growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.

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