Watchdog/Local Government Reporter
Req #20567
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.
Watchdog/Local Government Reporter
The Post-Crescent/postcrescent.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin, is seeking a talented journalist to join our team as a watchdog reporter covering local government and politics in the Fox Cities and northeastern Wisconsin. The reporter will help drive our coverage of the midterm elections.
The watchdog reporter will investigate public issues in the community and those given the power to address them, telling those stories in ways that provoke thought and engage readers. With a lean toward solutions journalism, this reporter will help to dissect problems that detract from the quality of life and celebrate things that make it better.
Through a combination of quick hits, explanatory stories and investigative journalism, this reporter will challenge the status quo, highlight solutions and introduce readers to the region’s extraordinary people.
Responsibilities:
- Dig through public records, attend meetings, interview community members.
- Create storytelling that accurately informs and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
- Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
- Work with editors to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborate with content team to provide all the appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
- Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
- Provide 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.
- Minimum of 1-2 years’ reporting/newsroom experience. We will also consider candidates with strong internships or student publication experience.
- Deep understanding of and curiosity about competition for our customers' time and money.
- Self-motivation and self-direction.
- Knowledge of social media and how to engage fan base on digital platforms in the public space.
- Photo and video skills.
- Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
- Able to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
- Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
- Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.
- Command of media law and Principles of Ethical Conduct.
- 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 & urinalysis 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:
- Your resume – one to two pages.
- 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.
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Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly
- Required Education Equivalent Experience