Gannett Co is hiring: National News Boats Reporter in Mc Lean

USATODAY Network

is seeking a consumer-focused

Boats Reporter

to lead coverage for our new national Boats hub. This journalist will create compelling, useful and audience-driven content for people who are considering a boat purchase, enjoy life on the water or are deeply engaged with boats and boating culture.

We're looking for a boating enthusiast with strong reporting instincts, multimedia storytelling skills and a deep understanding of how to serve three key audience segments:

Boat shoppers and buyers

researching models, features, prices and purchasing decisions

Recreationists

looking for accessible, practical and inspiring ways to enjoy boating and life on the water

Boating enthusiasts

who closely follow new products, innovations, destinations, events and boating culture

This role supports USAT Networks' strategic goal of growing engaged audiences through high-quality, platform-optimized consumer coverage. The reporter will become a leading voice of the Boats hub, producing authoritative journalism while helping establish its identity, audience and programming across multiple platforms.

The reporter will work closely with editors, visual journalists and reporters across the USA TODAY Network to deliver timely, relevant and distinctive coverage. Video will be central to the role. The successful candidate must be comfortable appearing on camera, developing original video concepts and producing content from idea through publication.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The role is remote, though candidates may also be based in a USAT local market.

Responsibilities:

Report and write useful, engaging stories for boat shoppers, recreationists and enthusiasts

Develop authoritative buying guidance, product comparisons, explainers and other service journalism that helps consumers make informed decisions

Cover boating news, trends, innovations, destinations, events and culture

Generate original video concepts that complement the hub's journalism and expand its reach

Report, shoot and produce platform-appropriate video, including on-camera segments, demonstrations, interviews and field reporting

Translate reporting into compelling visual stories for YouTube, social platforms and other video destinations

Pitch timely ideas based on news, seasonal interest, consumer demand, search behavior and audience data

Balance quick-turn coverage with enterprise reporting, distinctive features and recurring franchises

Create content optimized for search, social media, newsletters, video and other audience channels

Build and maintain relationships with boat manufacturers, dealers, industry experts, recreational organizations, boat owners and other relevant sources

Collaborate with journalists across the USA TODAY Network to identify local expertise, expand coverage and maximize reach

Help establish the hub's editorial voice, coverage priorities and publishing rhythm

Monitor performance metrics and use the results to refine topics, formats, packaging and distribution

What you'll need to thrive

A genuine passion for boats, boating and life on the water

Strong reporting, writing and news judgment

The ability to make boating approachable to newcomers without losing credibility with experienced enthusiasts

Confidence developing stories around consumer questions and real-world audience needs

Strong video instincts and comfort working both behind and in front of the camera

The ability to identify which ideas are best told through articles, videos, social content or a combination of formats

Familiarity with SEO, social media best practices and audience analytics

Clear, concise writing that avoids unnecessary jargon

An energetic and creative approach to building a new editorial product

The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across a distributed newsroom

Sound judgment when reporting in marinas, on boats and around the water

Requirements

Proven experience in journalism, digital media, video production or a related content field

Excellent reporting, writing, communication and organizational skills

Demonstrated experience creating original video content

Experience shooting and producing video in field environments

Comfort appearing on camera and conducting on-camera interviews

Ability to manage multiple stories and formats in a fast-paced environment

Understanding of audience strategy and digital publishing

Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check

Preferred qualifications

Experience covering boats, outdoor recreation, travel, consumer products or a related subject

Demonstrated knowledge of boats and boating culture

Experience with video editing and YouTube programming

Experience producing product reviews, demonstrations or comparison content

Familiarity with consumer buying journeys, affiliate-supported content or commerce journalism

Knowledge of newsletter strategy and performance metrics

Experience using audience data to identify and develop coverage opportunities

How success will be measured

Growth in engaged audience across shoppers, recreationists and enthusiasts

Development of a consistent and recognizable voice for the Boats hub

Performance of original video across relevant platforms

Search, social and direct audience growth

Growth in repeat visitation and audience loyalty

Timeliness, usefulness and distinctiveness of coverage

Development of successful recurring topics, formats and franchises

Effective collaboration with journalists across the USA TODAY Network

Use of performance insights to improve coverage and distribution

The annualized base salary for this role will range between $58K and $90K. Variable incentive compensation, including commissions, is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, education level, location, and union representation, if applicable

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