Trending and Breaking News Reporter

USA TODAY Co.•White Plains, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Journal News / lohud.com is seeking a reporter to work in a fast-paced, 24/7 news environment. The candidate will specialize in identifying trending news and delivering this news to our audiences in the form of stories, video and/or photos as makes most sense. The candidate will also respond to breaking news of public interest and public impact in the Lower Hudson Valley and sometimes in and around New York City. Reporting may occur in the office, at home and out in the communities we serve. Being prepared for the unexpected and seizing the moment are hallmarks of a successful candidate for this role. This reporter be adept at growing a digital audience by producing reliable reports and updates filled with exclusive, compelling and relevant details. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong news judgment, the ability to file accurate, concise, and clean copy on tight deadlines, and to build on breaking news with smart quick-turn enterprise ideas. The reporter will seek out stories that are of interest to our audiences using the latest in trends, metrics and social tools to find stories that will resonate. In evaluating the possibility of pursuing trending and breaking news in lower Hudson Valley communities, this reporter will assess the likely degree of public interest and public or personal impact of that trending news. This person should be creative, write in a conversational style and deliver sharp headlines. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. It also demands strong news judgment and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This person can juggle a high volume of stories on a daily basis with aplomb, all the while staying focused on the digital details of story production: headlines, SEO, multimedia assets and other points of optimization. The ability to collaborate and work as part of a team of reporters is a must.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least two years of experience working in a news organization, even better if you have covered breaking or trending news in a job or internship.
Excellent news judgment.
Familiarity with SEO best practices.
Top-notch writing and reporting skills.
Strong command of grammar and style
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.
A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work not only independently but also as a key contributor to team/network projects.
Strong understanding of audience analytics and how to use them to drive content decisions.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
News may require you to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with public-records requests and tracking down court records and other documents is a plus.

Responsibilities

Produce noteworthy or trending news coverage that accurately informs, entertains, and engages key audiences and platforms.
Identify and localize trending news topics to report on for our local audiences. Answer one question well and come back with follow-up stories based on interest and need. Answer what, who cares, what does it mean?
Provide thoughtful yet quick-turn reporting of complex issues.
Gather and produce engaging visuals in real time for various platforms/socials, including but not limited to galleries, vertical and horizontal video explainers, updates and alternative URLs while news is actively trending.
Focus reporting on specific local topics, including breaking news and entertainment, to build byline authority, audience loyalty and social media growth on current and future branded accounts.
Able to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing industry.
Work with editors to evaluate what is working and what is not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
Collaborate with editors and producers to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics).
Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Experience with public-records requests and tracking down court records and other documents is a plus.
Other duties as assigned.