Digital Reporter

Hearst • Plainview, TX

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Digital Reporter identifies, reports, and writes timely stories and trends across small community markets. The role requires initiative, accuracy, urgency, strong news judgment, quick writing, and the ability to manage a high volume of daily stories while attending to digital production details such as headlines, SEO, and multimedia assets. The reporter self-assigns and reprioritizes in real time, participates in peer editing, and delivers news through stories, video, newsletters, social media, and other available formats.

The position is hybrid and can be based in Beaumont, Laredo, Midland, or Plainview, Texas. Success is measured by fast, accurate, consistent reporting; meeting audience-growth KPIs, including story visits and subscriber traffic; growing and promoting a social media presence; and collaborating effectively with digital and newsroom staff. The role is open to nontraditional schedules, including early mornings, late evenings, and/or weekends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field.
• News writing experience.
• Familiarity with AP Style.
• Solid news judgment and a strong understanding of the local market.
• Awareness of media standards for fair use and accurate content citation.
• Proficient writing and fact-checking skills.
• Understanding of web metrics to guide story choices toward KPI growth.
• Ability to use analytics and CMS tools such as Chartbeat and Google Analytics.
• Organization and ability to meet deadlines in daily and breaking-news situations.
• Ability to self-assign, reprioritize in real time, and manage a high volume of stories across multiple markets.
• Openness to early mornings, late evenings, and/or weekend schedules.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of audience engagement metrics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Pitch and write 3 to 5 stories a day based on trends in local markets.
• Report quickly, clearly, and accurately, delivering news through stories, video, newsletters, social media platforms, or other available methods.
• Identify the day's top news stories based on analytics and audience potential.
• Recognize and cover breaking news quickly in assigned markets and coordinate with other Hearst newspapers regionally.
• Work with local and regional editors and the Hearst development team to test new ways of finding and engaging audiences on social platforms and through alternative story forms.
• Develop and maintain a steady supply of sources for story ideas and daily coverage options.
• Maintain contact information for agencies to obtain information quickly.
• Pitch and create alternative content formats, including listicles, slideshows, and timelines.
• Collaborate with newsroom staff on shared-byline projects as needed.
• Participate in peer editing and contribute to a collaborative newsroom.
• Promote story links on social media and grow a social media audience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Paid time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid parental leave.
• Monthly child and dependent care reimbursement.
• Mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ+ inclusive health services.
• Fertility coverage and menopause support.
• Pet wellness reimbursement and Rover credits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time