Breaking and trending news reporter Job at Gannett Co., Inc. in Jacksonville

Posted Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 4:00 AM

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a scalable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Our current portfolio includes the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom.

The Florida Times-Union / Jacksonville.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an aggressive, digitally savvy journalist to be our next trending/breaking news reporter, identifying, verifying and curating news of what Northeast Florida residents are talking about.

This job requires an understanding of SEO techniques, audience metrics, and social media platforms; quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset. This reporter will chase spot news, business, and entertainment stories, as well as features about topics already trending online or based on online conversations.

The reporter is expected to pitch high-audience-potential ideas, add smart context, seek out appropriate multimedia, and do original reporting to add value to a reader’s experience. The job also requires writing inviting headlines to lure the biggest possible audience.

Most stories will be directed at new and occasional readers to turn them into loyal subscribers. Successful trending stories have ranged from breaking crime news to “5 things to know” explainer stories about trending topics. This reporter is also expected to handle breaking news coverage and general assignments. Some weekend, evening work, and holidays may be required as coverage needs dictate.

Responsibilities:

• Research, report, and produce accurate, compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Use sites such as Google Trends to mine story ideas from social media and news organizations.
• Seek out compelling photos, graphics, and video and secure permission to use them.
• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, video) tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the target audience.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of professional journalism experience preferred.
• High-level writing, communication, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate, and publication-ready.
• Comfort with using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

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

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

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.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees.