Service Journalism Reporter
McClatchy, Wichita, KS, United States
Overview
McClatchy Media is seeking an audience-focused reporter to join its collaborative and hard-working Wichita Eagle newsroom as a service journalism reporter. Based in Wichita, Kansas, the reporter will join a reporting group that is team-oriented and focused on telling the unique stories of the Heartland. The service journalism team writes explainers, Q&As, fact checks and answers questions locally trending online, and reporters also contribute to local and regional news and breaking news coverage. The role involves crafting stories based on local readers’ needs, engaging with readers online and potentially in person. The reporter will write frequently, welcome daily assignments, and also cultivate and pitch their own ideas. They will pursue stories found in every corner of the community, online and in person, including topics discussed on sites like Nextdoor and Reddit. An enthusiasm for a team-centered environment and a willingness to learn audience development skills, such as digital headline writing and SEO, are essential. The ideal candidate will bring areas of interest and a deep understanding of what’s important to local readers, ideally earned by working at a local news outlet. The candidate should have an excellent gauge of digital storytelling and the ability to work under the pressure of quick, daily deadlines. McClatchy Media’s journalists are expected to ethically harness and leverage AI and other automation to enhance and elevate their work, while finding efficiencies that free them to focus on source-building and high-quality, deeply reported journalism. Responsibilities
Pitch stories off the beaten track that will resonate with readers across the region. Report and write stories quickly in user-friendly formats. Find questions the community is asking and figure out the answers. Collaborate with other journalists from across the newsroom on major news events and local happenings. Demonstrate versatility, initiative and SEO savvy. Work in a team environment, both virtually and in person. Contribute to local and regional news and breaking news coverage as part of the service journalism team. Must have
1-3 years of reporting or writing experience. A college degree or work equivalent. Strong reporting and writing skills, with the ability to see the story that matters to readers. Flexibility and speed in writing to respond to evolving news events and user needs. Excellent news judgment and journalism ethics. Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Willingness to cover a variety of topics. A passion for utility journalism that helps readers in their daily lives. Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with appropriate vehicle insurance as required by the state of employment. Nice to have
Track record of community engagement and audience-centered reporting. Willingness to do multimedia storytelling, including recording vertical video. Familiarity with Google Trends, social media platforms, public records requests and data. Familiarity with measuring and tracking success using metrics and analytics. Track record of innovation, learning and using new skills and technologies, especially AI. What we'll bring
As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package focuses on health, well-being, wealth and daily life. Benefits include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection, wellness resources and coverage for four-legged friends. The benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and various mental health resources. For more information, visit McClatchyLivewell.com. About Wichita
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas with a down-to-earth vibe and a lower cost of living. It offers a thriving restaurant and craft brewery scene, parks and trails, and features such as the Keeper of the Plains and its history in aerospace, earning Wichita the nickname “Air Capital of the World.” Application
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3–6 work samples for full consideration. References may be requested.
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McClatchy Media is seeking an audience-focused reporter to join its collaborative and hard-working Wichita Eagle newsroom as a service journalism reporter. Based in Wichita, Kansas, the reporter will join a reporting group that is team-oriented and focused on telling the unique stories of the Heartland. The service journalism team writes explainers, Q&As, fact checks and answers questions locally trending online, and reporters also contribute to local and regional news and breaking news coverage. The role involves crafting stories based on local readers’ needs, engaging with readers online and potentially in person. The reporter will write frequently, welcome daily assignments, and also cultivate and pitch their own ideas. They will pursue stories found in every corner of the community, online and in person, including topics discussed on sites like Nextdoor and Reddit. An enthusiasm for a team-centered environment and a willingness to learn audience development skills, such as digital headline writing and SEO, are essential. The ideal candidate will bring areas of interest and a deep understanding of what’s important to local readers, ideally earned by working at a local news outlet. The candidate should have an excellent gauge of digital storytelling and the ability to work under the pressure of quick, daily deadlines. McClatchy Media’s journalists are expected to ethically harness and leverage AI and other automation to enhance and elevate their work, while finding efficiencies that free them to focus on source-building and high-quality, deeply reported journalism. Responsibilities
Pitch stories off the beaten track that will resonate with readers across the region. Report and write stories quickly in user-friendly formats. Find questions the community is asking and figure out the answers. Collaborate with other journalists from across the newsroom on major news events and local happenings. Demonstrate versatility, initiative and SEO savvy. Work in a team environment, both virtually and in person. Contribute to local and regional news and breaking news coverage as part of the service journalism team. Must have
1-3 years of reporting or writing experience. A college degree or work equivalent. Strong reporting and writing skills, with the ability to see the story that matters to readers. Flexibility and speed in writing to respond to evolving news events and user needs. Excellent news judgment and journalism ethics. Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Willingness to cover a variety of topics. A passion for utility journalism that helps readers in their daily lives. Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with appropriate vehicle insurance as required by the state of employment. Nice to have
Track record of community engagement and audience-centered reporting. Willingness to do multimedia storytelling, including recording vertical video. Familiarity with Google Trends, social media platforms, public records requests and data. Familiarity with measuring and tracking success using metrics and analytics. Track record of innovation, learning and using new skills and technologies, especially AI. What we'll bring
As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package focuses on health, well-being, wealth and daily life. Benefits include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection, wellness resources and coverage for four-legged friends. The benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and various mental health resources. For more information, visit McClatchyLivewell.com. About Wichita
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas with a down-to-earth vibe and a lower cost of living. It offers a thriving restaurant and craft brewery scene, parks and trails, and features such as the Keeper of the Plains and its history in aerospace, earning Wichita the nickname “Air Capital of the World.” Application
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3–6 work samples for full consideration. References may be requested.
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