Digital Reporter Job at Beaumont Enterprise in Midland

Overview

Digital Reporter. Work Location: Beaumont, TX, Laredo, TX, Midland, TX, or Plainview, TX. Hybrid.

The position requires initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight with strong news judgment. The reporter will identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential across small community markets, and will focus on digital story production: headlines, SEO, multi-media assets and other optimization points. The ability to self-assign and re-prioritize in real-time is essential, and the role involves collaborating with peers and contributing to peer editing.

Primary Responsibilities

• Pitch and write 3 to 5 stories a day based on what's trending in local markets.
• Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, social media, or other methods to reach new audiences.
• Identify top news stories of the day based on analytics and audience potential.
• Jump on breaking news for assigned markets and coordinate with other Hearst newspapers regionally.
• Collaborate with local and regional editors and the Hearst development team to experiment with new ways of finding and engaging new audiences on social platforms and alternative storyforms.
• Create and maintain a steady supply of sources for story ideas to provide depth and options each day.
• Be familiar with contact information for various agencies to obtain information quickly.
• Pitch and create alternative content formats, including listicles, slideshows, and timelines.
• Work with other newsroom staff on shared byline projects as necessary.

Competencies / Critical Skills

• Solid news judgment with an understanding of the local market. Awareness of media standards around fair use and proper attribution.
• Proficient writing, fact-checking, and familiarity with AP style.
• Understanding web metrics to guide story choices toward KPI growth. Knowledge of analytics and CMS tools such as Chartbeat and Google Analytics.
• Organized and able to meet deadlines in daily and breaking news situations.
• Open to off-typical schedules including early mornings, late evenings and/or weekends.

Measures of Success

• Deliver stories quickly, accurately and at a consistent pace.
• Meet daily and weekly KPIs for audience growth, including story visits and subscriber traffic.
• Grow social media base and regularly promote links to stories.
• Collaborate effectively with digital and newsroom staff.

Experience, Qualifications, Technical Requirements, Education

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field required.
• Understanding of audience engagement metrics is preferred.
• News writing experience and familiarity with AP style required.

Our Benefits

At Hearst Newspapers we support employees through personal and professional development and promote physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. The benefits below are representative of our offerings.

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Paid leave for new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits.

About Hearst Newspapers

With 2,500 employees across the nation, Hearst Newspapers represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, along with top digital platforms and marketing services. We invest in new and innovative ways to tell stories and support millions of readers each month.

Seniorities & Employment

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
• Industries: Newspaper Publishing