Crime and Justice Reporter - FL/Pensacola
Req #18925
Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
The Pensacola News Journal is seeking a reporter to produce daily, enterprise and watchdog work focusing on crime and justice news and trends impacting the Pensacola area community. The Crime and Justice reporter has a deep understanding of the issues facing community members, law enforcement and the general community as it relates to criminal activity, social justice, prevention, protection and prosecution. This reporter goes beyond covering crime, and looks to find trends, causes and potential solutions to the crime in our community. This beat goes beyond the day-to-day crime, and examines its root causes that impact all aspects of the community, from families and neighborhoods to the law enforcement community.
The ideal candidate must be able to balance the fast pace of breaking news with in-depth enterprise journalism that finds solutions to local problems and holds government agencies accountable.
Responsibilities:
- This reporter is expected to consistently break exclusive news, staying ahead of the competition on daily and enterprise work.
- Source development will be critical, cultivating contacts among judges, attorneys and court staff.
- The cops/courts reporter also will work breaking news and general assignments as necessary.
- The cops/courts reporter must identify and produce stories, photos and video across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
- Staying abreast of court dockets for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, as well as monitoring federal courts for occasional stories.
- Clear, fast writing is essential, along with the ability to turn coverage of court proceedings into readable storytelling.
- This reporter will use live chats, social media, video and other tools to replace or supplement traditional story forms.
- This reporter will use metrics to understand what’s resonating with readers and will shape coverage to steadily increase the audience.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's in Journalism, Communications or an equivalent combination of education and experience. We will also consider candidates with strong internships.
- Minimum of 1 year professional reporting/newsroom experience.
- Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
- Strong command of AP grammar and style.
- Strong copy-editing skills and 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 newsrooms.
- Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
- Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
- Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
- Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- Able to work occasional late nights as needed by the news cycle.
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
- Your resume – one to two pages.
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
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Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly