Breaking News and Public Safety Reporter

USA TODAY Co. • Corpus Christi, TX

26d

About The Position

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, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com
The Corpus Christi Caller-Times, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a breaking and public safety reporter with experience in fast-paced breaking news and deeper enterprise coverage.
Corpus Christi sits on the Gulf Coast, about three hours southwest of Houston and two hours south of San Antonio. Its population is about two-thirds Latino. The warm climate, beach, rich history and political dynamics make Corpus Christi a lively area for telling great stories.
The reporter must hold local law enforcement accountable while providing fair, accurate coverage. The reporter will supplement breaking news with in-depth enterprise stories that seek a wider perspective beyond a single crime.
The ideal candidate will be self-driven, meticulous and able to balance skepticism and an open mind. Flexibility is key, as are compassion and creativity. Your week could consist of covering a competitive, quick breaking story; interviewing a victim’s family; and crunching crime statistics and exploring criminal justice trends.
This job requires getting out in the community to build a source network and conducting in-person interviews with people from all walks of life. It also requires video, photography and social media skills to enhance coverage.
Knowledge of Excel and other tools to mine data for both in-depth and quick-hit projects will be a big advantage for any applicant.
Like other reporter jobs, this includes whatever else develops locally with other Gannett journalists. A teamwork philosophy is key, and we are at times called upon to assist in some fashion with projects all the way up to the level of USA TODAY.
Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years’ reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships and college publication work.
• Adept at taking photos and video and ability to file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Strong command of grammar.
• Strong copy-editing skills and 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.
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Reddit to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• News often requires employees to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Excel and other tools to mine data for both in-depth and quick-hit projects will be a big advantage for any applicant.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.

Responsibilities

• Create content (articles, videos and photos) about local news that accurately informs, entertains and engages key audiences and platforms.
• Balance both quick-hit and enterprise stories.
• Provide thoughtful, in-depth coverage of complex issues.
• Work with the editor to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with the content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level