Breaking News Reporter

USA Today • Cincinnati, OH

2d

About The Position

The Cincinnati Enquirer/cincinnati.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a digital-first reporter for its Breaking News team. The reporter will cover major regional stories, including breaking crime, public safety news and severe weather, while recognizing that breaking news can lead to deeper accountability and enterprise reporting. The role calls for clear, concise reporting that goes beyond press releases to examine how and why events happen. Reporters also pursue explainers, features and other enterprise stories reflecting life in Greater Cincinnati. The position requires urgency, curiosity, accuracy, sound news judgment, and the ability to identify impactful stories and represent the community through a variety of voices.

The reporter monitors real-time news and delivers coverage across stories, video, newsletters and social platforms, using audience metrics to inform story choices and beat strategies. The schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays and extended hours when news demands. The reporter works with editors and colleagues to experiment with new ways to inform and engage audiences, including social platforms, alternate story forms and evergreen content.

The Enquirer serves communities in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Applicants must submit a single PDF containing a one- to two-page resume, a cover letter describing their approach to the job, and links to three to six online work samples. The hourly rate is $24.28–$37.94; variable incentive compensation may apply, and exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, education, location and union representation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications or journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of reporting experience; applicants with less experience and strong clips may be considered.
• Proven ability to write on deadline.
• Exceptional core journalism skills, including reporting, producing and editing.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Familiarity with public records and their use in reporting.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Photo and video skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to get along with diverse personalities.
• Ability to use time effectively in a 24-hour news environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
• Willingness to embrace peer-to-peer feedback and training.
• Innovative and creative thinking to support company goals.
• Industry knowledge and organizational skills.
• Command of media law and Principles of Ethical Conduct.
• Ability to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Passing a post-offer pre-employment background check and motor vehicle record check.

Responsibilities

• Monitor real-time news and identify stories important to the audience.
• Report quickly, clearly and accurately.
• Deliver news through stories, video, newsletters, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok or other available methods to reach and develop audiences.
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape beat strategies.
• Work a schedule that may include nights, weekends and whenever news demands.
• Work with editors to experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and through alternate story forms, including evergreen content.
• Cover breaking crime, public safety news and severe weather, and pursue explainers, features and enterprise stories.
• Look beyond standard press releases to report on how and why events happen.

What This Job Offers

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