Digital Reporter

About the Role

This position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency, and insight. It requires strong news judgment and the ability to identify stories and trends that are immediate, important, and influential across various small community markets. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial for juggling a high volume of stories across multiple markets daily, while staying focused on digital production details such as headlines, SEO, multi-media assets, and optimization. The ideal candidate can self-assign and re-prioritize in real-time, and is comfortable with peer editing and contributing to it.

Key Responsibilities

• Pitch and write 3 to 5 stories a day based on trending topics in local market(s).
• Report quickly, clearly, and accurately, delivering news via stories, video, newsletters, social media platforms, or other methods to reach new audiences.
• Identify top news stories of the day based on analytics and audience potential.
• Quickly recognize and jump on breaking news for assigned markets, coordinating with other Hearst newspapers regionally.
• Work with local and regional editors, and the Hearst development team to experiment with new ways of finding and engaging new audiences on social platforms and alternative storyforms.
• Create and maintain a steady supply of sources for story ideas to provide daily options.
• Be familiar with contact information for various agencies to obtain information quickly.
• Pitch and create alternative forms of content, including listicles, slideshows, and timelines.
• Work with other newsroom staff on shared byline projects as necessary.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Solid news judgment and a strong understanding of the local market.
• Awareness of media standards around fair use and accurate content citation.
• Proficient writer, fact-checker, and familiar with AP Style.
• Understand web metrics to guide story choices toward KPI growth.
• Knowledge of analytics and CMS tools such as Chartbeat and Google Analytics.
• Organized and able to meet deadlines in daily and breaking news situations.
• Open to off-typical schedules including early mornings, late evenings, and/or weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field required.
• Understanding of audience engagement metrics is preferred.
• News writing experience and familiarity with AP style required.

Measures of Success

• Deliver stories quickly, accurately, and at a consistent pace.
• Meet daily and weekly KPIs for audience growth, including story visits and subscriber traffic.
• Grow social media base and regularly promote links to stories.
• Exhibit great teamwork with digital and newsroom staff.