Breaking News/Public Safety Reporter Job at Gannett Co., Inc. in Des Moines

Overview

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a diversified media company with national and local reach, 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 brands include USA TODAY NETWORK (national publication USA TODAY and local media), Newsquest (UK), LocaliQ (digital marketing solutions), and USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures (events). Gannett open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at Gannett, you should complete an application on Gannett Careers via Dayforce.

Des Moines Register is seeking a breaking news reporter to cover crime, fires, traffic accidents, weather disasters and other spot news in central Iowa, with travel across Iowa for big news. The reporter may also handle some courts coverage and should be adept at taking photos and video, filing quickly across platforms (mobile, desktop, social media).

Clear, fast writing is essential, along with the ability to turn breaking news coverage into readable storytelling. Source development will be critical, including interactions with first responders, police, judges, court staff and community residents. Duties include writing compelling headlines and employing SEO best practices to reach readers. The role may include other beats and general assignments as needed.

Responsibilities

• Research, report and produce compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
• Use live video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.
• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, video) tailored to the platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the audience.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior professional journalism experience or significant internship experience.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
• Ability to shoot photos and video and file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication-ready.
• Comfort with using social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Application Instructions

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’ve done. Prepare a single document that includes, in this order:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter outlining how you would approach the job.
• Links to 5–10 online samples of your work.

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.

#Newsgnt #LI-NC1

Gannett Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, age, marital status, disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, education, genetic characteristics, or other classifications protected by law. We will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants who require them during the application process; contact Recruit@gannett.com for accommodations.