Missouri Athletics Reporter
Req #20510
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.
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Missouri Athletics Reporter
The Columbia Daily Tribune/columbiatribune.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking its next University of Missouri athletics beat writer.
We are looking for someone who is passionate, driven and creative. Our desired beat reporter has proven experience on a competitive beat. Instead of breathlessly reporting every press conference quote and minor development, we want someone who can write captivating stories that build a subscriber base and do it in a digital space.
You should be competent hitting deadlines; comfortable talking on camera and behind a mic; work well with a team and effectively develop source relationships. You’ll live in Columbia and cover daily the football, basketball and Olympic sports programs at Mizzou in addition to contributing to high-impact preps and recruiting coverage.
We are seeking a reporter who will be comfortable using metrics to understand the kinds of features, day-to-day, enterprise and watchdog stories our readers want. He or she will have the reporting and writing chops to deliver these stories accurately and on a deadline. S/he will enjoy building sources with players, coaches, parents and fans to break news and find compelling human-interest stories.
We want someone who is ambitious. We want someone who will own the beat by writing with an authoritative voice and by contributing fresh ideas to the newsroom. We want someone who has experience with different media formats.
Columbia, a growing city of 124,000, is Missouri's fourth-largest city. It is home to MU and a hub of college sports, arts and culture, and medical research.
Responsibilities:
- Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
- Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
- Connects with the community through storytelling.
- Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Works with content coach and digital partners to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborates with photographers to provide all appropriate elements for stories. Captures basic photos and video as needed.
- Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
- Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 1-3 years' journalism experience.
- Thorough understanding of college sports, its operation and its standards.
- Proven ability to hit (if not beat) deadlines, both long-and short-term.
- Proven ability to develop relationships with sources.
- Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking situations.
- Track record for producing content that is "publication ready."
- Command of grammar and AP style.
- Strong understanding of media law and ethics.
- Able to work nights and weekends as required by the beat.
- Able to shoot basic videos and photos.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check and drug screen.
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:
1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- Links to 5-10 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.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
#Content
Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly
- Required Education Equivalent Experience