Gannett Co., Inc. is hiring: Henderson County Reporter in Hendersonville

Posted Friday, February 28, 2025 at 5:00 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 of trusted media brands includes the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom.

The Hendersonville Times-News – sister paper to the Asheville Citizen Times – is seeking a standout journalist with at least three years of reporting experience to fill a key role in its newsroom. The right person will be adept at breaking news and hard-hitting stories, seeking out tips and trends, as well as diving into deep enterprise and projects.

The reporter will be the watchdog over Henderson County and Hendersonville city governments, writing impactful stories that will reach beyond meetings to include stories of people who live and work in a county that ranges from urban to rural to agricultural, with a focus on holding those in power accountable.

This reporter should have a strong social media presence and be eager to work in a digital-first newsroom.

The coverage areas are far-ranging, including food and dining, environment, real estate, business and social justice issues, and access to housing, health care, and government. The reporter will also focus on recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, which devastated the region.

This beat aims to tell stories about every resident, inclusive of all genders, races, physical and mental abilities, ages, religions, and ethnicities.

Typical Job Duties

• Tells stories that accurately inform, engage and enlighten our audience.
• Provides thoughtful analysis and produces watchdog journalism that leads to change.
• Demonstrates clear, concise writing skills and an emphasis on “why this is important to me.”
• Works with editors and analytics to evaluate what's working and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborates with colleagues on projects or breaking news.
• Photographs and films video to provide all appropriate elements for stories.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Writes clear, fast and accurately in turning coverage of meetings/proceedings into readable storytelling, including stories in alternate formats, such as Q&A, What to Know, timelines, etc.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in experience and education related to journalism.
• Three or more years of experience in daily deadline reporting.
• Strong news judgment; commitment to develop and maintain sources; outstanding research skills; ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, receive constructive feedback and work as part of a team.
• Fluency in AP style.
• Attend in-person meetings – including City Council, County Commission and Board of Education – and quickly and concisely report on deadline.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and stories in a fast-paced environment.
• Adept at using social media to report, tell stories, engage readers and cover breaking news.
• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

How To Apply:

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.