Breaking/Trending Reporter

USA TODAY Co. • Akron, OH

2d

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 Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, is looking for a high-energy, inquisitive staff writer to serve as our breaking/trending reporter. This position will play a key role in serving our Summit County audience by providing fast-paced, engaging journalism.
The reporter is SEO savvy, can spot high-interest topics using engagement tools like Google Trends and can work independently.
Our breaking/trending reporter will focus on key areas:

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years reporting experience, preferably in a digitally focused news organization.
• Commitment to detail, accuracy and fairness.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check, drug screen and motor vehicle record check.

Responsibilities

• Managing a high-volume beat while balancing ongoing longer-range stories.
• Handling breaking news coverage with speed and accuracy.
• Answering questions local readers are asking.
• Monitoring social media, news feeds, and other relevant sources to identify emerging trends.
• Localizing national trending stories in news, sports, culture, entertainment and politics.
• Understanding social media, Google trends, audience metrics and SEO techniques.
• Having a competitive spirit to see their work at the top of our page view charts each day.

What This Job Offers

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