General News Reporter
Req #23210
Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
General News Reporter
The Zanesville Times Recorder/zanesvilletimesrecorder.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a reporter to join the team!
The ideal candidate researches, writes and reports compelling journalism that continuously grows a fan base by informing and engaging readers.
Other essential job duties:
- Act as a public ambassador through community outreach and connects with readers through social media.
- Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
- Produce storytelling journalism that meets audience needs and interests on every platform.
- Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.
Job Details:
This reporter will concentrate breaking news, public safety and county government coverage in Muskingum County. This position will be a key part of our digital subscription growth efforts, with the goal of creating exclusive content vital to our key audiences.
The reporter will be relied on to not just cover breaking news and the courts but be able to identify trends in the public safety beat to write stories that will resonate with readers.
This reporter will focus on stories that matter to real local people and their lives, focusing on issues, places, and people of interest with a primarily digital focus. Content can range from features, court coverage, county commissioners’ coverage to harder-hitting examinations of key issues of concern to residents, including schools, safety, and more.
The reporter must build a brand of local content that connects with residents and then engage with
this audience, following guidance on content choices. Readers should consistently see this reporter at key community events and feel comfortable approaching them with tips and ideas.
This reporter pays close attention to all readership metrics to shape content decisions and avoids boring traditional content while trying new ideas.
Responsibilities:
- Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms with metrics.
- Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
- Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
- Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Works with editor to evaluate metrics, what's working, what's not and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborate to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, videos and graphics.
- Captures basic photos and videos as needed.
- Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
- Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
- Performs other duties as necessary.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 0-2 years journalism experience required.
- Ability to produce top-notch watchdog journalism.
- Exceptional cross-platform storytelling skills.
- Exceptional core journalism skills (reporter, producing, editing). Strong command of AP grammar and style.
- Self-motivation and self-direction.
- Advance knowledge of social media and how to engage fan base on digital platforms in public space.
- Photo and video skill.
- Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
- Able to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
- Knows how to use time effectively in a 24-hour news environment.
-
Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
Must embrace peer-to-peer feedback and training. - Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the company's goals.
- Industry knowledge.
- Organizational skills.
- Command of media law and Principle of Ethical Conduct.
- This position often requires employees to work extended hours, evening, weekends and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen.
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.
#Content
#LI-NC1
Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly
- Required Education Equivalent Experience