Trending and Breaking News Reporter

Company Overview
USA TODAY Co., Inc. 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 sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, and Newsquest, a wholly‑owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences.

Position Summary
The Journal News / lohud.com is seeking a reporter to work in a fast‑paced, 24/7 news environment. The candidate will specialize in identifying trending news and delivering this news to our audiences in the form of stories, video, and/or photos as makes most sense. The candidate will also respond to breaking news of public interest and public impact in the Lower Hudson Valley and sometimes in and around New York City. Reporting may occur in the office, at home, and out in the communities we serve. Being prepared for the unexpected and seizing the moment are hallmarks of a successful candidate for this role.

This reporter must be adept at growing a digital audience by producing reliable reports and updates filled with exclusive, compelling and relevant details. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong news judgment, the ability to file accurate, concise, and clean copy on tight deadlines, and to build on breaking news with smart quick‑turn enterprise ideas. The reporter will seek out stories that are of interest to our audiences using the latest in trends, metrics and social tools to find stories that will resonate.

The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. It also demands strong news judgment and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This person can juggle a high volume of stories on a daily basis with aplomb, all the while staying focused on the digital details of story production: headlines, SEO, multimedia assets and other points of optimization. The ability to collaborate and work as part of a team of reporters is a must.

Responsibilities

Produce noteworthy or trending news coverage that accurately informs, entertains, and engages key audiences and platforms.

Identify and localize trending news topics to report on for our local audiences.

Provide thoughtful yet quick‑turn reporting of complex issues.

Gather and produce engaging visuals in real time for various platforms and socials.

Focus reporting on specific local topics, including breaking news and entertainment, to build byline authority, audience loyalty and social media growth on current and future branded accounts.

Able to multi‑task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing industry.

Work with editors to evaluate what is working and what is not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.

Collaborate with editors and producers to provide all appropriate elements for stories (photos, videos, and graphics).

Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.

Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Experience with public‑records requests and tracking down court records and other documents is a plus.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At least two years of experience working in a news organization, even better if you have covered breaking or trending news.

Excellent news judgment.

Familiarity with SEO best practices.

Top‑notch writing and reporting skills.

Strong command of grammar and style.

The ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.

Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.

Comfortable in fluid, fast‑breaking, stressful situations.

A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.

Ability to work independently but also as a key contributor to team
etwork projects.

Strong understanding of audience analytics and how to use them to drive content decisions.

This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

News may require you to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.

Employment is contingent on passing a post‑offer pre‑employment background check.

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 have done. Put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

Your resume – one to two pages.

A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

Links to 3–6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

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.

The hourly rate for this role will range between $27.18 and $33.34. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and may be applicable based on the role.

USA TODAY 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, 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 USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.

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