Local News Reporter Job at McClatchy in Fort Worth

Overview

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram seeks a dynamic reporter ready to attack the news of the day with urgency and context in our growing, diverse 2.2 million-people county. This beat has no bounds in our highly collaborative, digitally focused newsroom. We want a journalist eager to jump on important stories that communities are talking about right now, with an emphasis on consistently publishing quick-turn enterprise reporting.

Are people upset that the bridge in their neighborhood park has been out for months? Are culture wars flaring up at meetings of a suburban school board? Is truck traffic wreaking havoc in the heart of a small town? This reporter is on it—asking how, why and who is responsible with curiosity and drive to connect with readers. You will mine for stories from across sources, including neighborhood associations, community leaders, government agendas, social media, advocacy organizations, business groups and simply talking to people about what matters to them.

Successful applicants understand the need for speed as well as context. The goal is to grow our audience reach and earn loyal readers by quickly and consistently publishing credible, timely and compelling stories about topics in the news in Tarrant County and beyond. This supports a larger mission of serving the needs of distinct audiences as we seek to grow and retain digital subscribers to ensure the future of local journalism.

About the organization and commitment to diversity

Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and the 11th largest city in the United States. Its population is diverse, with about 35% Hispanic or Latino, over 18% Black and about 5% Asian, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Star-Telegram is committed to better representing the diverse North Texas communities we cover and to building an inclusive newsroom for staff of all backgrounds. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.

Qualifications

What you’ll bring:

• Strong writing and reporting skills and excellent news judgment;
• The ability to shoot basic photos and videos;
• Solid news judgment and excellent journalism ethics;
• Understanding of open records laws and the ability to file, manage and oversee requests pertinent to beat work;
• Ability to engage with readers and develop sources and story ideas on social media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Nextdoor and Reddit;
• Understanding of SEO and other optimization opportunities and a demonstrated ability to learn new skills in social and digital;
• Ability to correctly identify audiences for selected stories;
• A strong entrepreneurial spirit, deep curiosity and high energy;
• A collaborative style that works across teams spread throughout the office and company;
• Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced, data-driven environment shaped by feedback and experimentation;
• A track record for innovation, learning and using new skills and technologies, especially AI.

Educational and experience requirements: Degree in journalism or related field, two years of experience in a digitally oriented newsroom environment, and fluency in English and Spanish preferred.

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

About the McClatchy Media Company

The McClatchy Media Company features a portfolio of vibrant and trusted news, lifestyle, entertainment brands and a robust retail distribution network. Our iconic local news brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and The Sacramento Bee have collectively earned numerous accolades and reach more than 100 million unique visitors a month. The McClatchy Retail Network offers delivery to more than 56,000 retail locations weekly.

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Salary/Compensation: $52,000 - $60,000 per year