Breaking News/Public Safety Reporter Job at Statesman Journal / Gannett in Des M

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.

The Des Moines Register is seeking a breaking news reporter to cover crime, fires, traffic accidents, weather disasters and other spot news in central Iowa and to travel across Iowa for big news. This reporter also will have the opportunity to handle some courts coverage.

A breaking news reporter must be adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.

This reporter will be expected to develop enterprise and investigative work, whether landing exclusive interviews with victims or developing sophisticated analysis of crime trends. Database skills are a plus. Crime coverage will be focused less on specific incidents and more on how crime is affecting communities and how they can combat it. As needed, this reporter will also handle breaking news across other beats, such as government and business, and handle general assignments.

Clear, fast writing is essential, along with the ability to turn breaking news coverage into readable storytelling. Source development will be critical, among first responders, police, judges, court staff and community residents. Duties include writing compelling headlines and employing SEO best practices to draw in readers.

While days and hours can vary, this reporter will generally work evenings and one weekend shift.

Des Moines is a growing state capital city that is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and a large community of young professionals living downtown.

The Des Moines Register is a 17-time Pulitzer Prize winner. We reach readers across the state with our daily Des Moines Register editions, our award-winning DesMoinesRegister.com website and various nondaily publications.

In This Role, You Will

• 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) that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the audience.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.

Here’s What You Need

• Bachelor’s or master’s in communications, journalism, marketing or a 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 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.

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 (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), 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.