Trending News Reporter - Tennessee Connect Team

USA Today Co • Knoxville, TN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The USA TODAY Network is seeking a high-energy, endlessly curious Knoxville / East Tennessee Connect Reporter to join our breaking news, trending and service journalism team. This role will focus on serving audiences in Knoxville and the greater East Tennessee region, producing fast-paced, audience-first journalism that helps readers navigate daily life, stay informed on urgent issues, and understand what’s trending locally and statewide. Our Connect Team plays a key role in growing audience by answering readers’ questions through search, social and timely news coverage. The ideal candidate is digitally savvy, SEO-aware, and deeply interested in what East Tennesseans care about — from weather and public safety to cost-of-living issues, outdoor recreation, major events and viral moments with local impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent command of grammar, AP style and fact-checking best practices.
• Proficiency with social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Bluesky.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with East Tennessee, Knoxville or similar Southern Appalachian communities is strongly preferred.
• Digitally savvy
• SEO-aware
• Deeply interested in what East Tennesseans care about

Responsibilities

• Produce multiple pieces of high-impact content per day, guided by audience data and real-time trends.
• Identify and answer the key questions East Tennessee readers are asking using tools like Google Trends, analytics dashboards and social listening.
• Amplify breaking coverage with explainers, “What to know” pieces, and localized service stories during weather emergencies, public safety events, infrastructure issues and major regional moments.
• Translate national and statewide trends into clear, relevant information for East Tennessee audiences.
• Produce durable, audience-focused stories during slower news cycles, including guides, explainers, and light accountability or engagement series relevant to Knoxville and surrounding communities.
• Monitor emails, social media, community groups and regional news sources for stories.
• Track developing stories across local, state and national platforms for relevance to East Tennessee.
• Write efficiently and accurately, often producing several stories per day during peak news cycles.
• Pitch and rapidly execute story ideas based on emerging audience interest.
• Craft strong, SEO-driven headlines and reader-friendly formats optimized for search and Discover.
• Ensure content meets USA TODAY Network standards for accuracy, ethics, speed and clarity.
• Collaborate with local Tennessee newsrooms and network editors to avoid duplication and maximize impact.

What This Job Offers

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