Sports Reporter I
Req #26256
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 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 Erie Times-News, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a dynamic, driven sports reporter who is eager to report the best and most meaningful stories in a community that is heavily invested in its sports.
High schools sports are our No. 1 subscription driver, and it's where we'll put most of our time. But there are storytelling opportunities to be found in recruiting, major junior hockey, minor league baseball, small colleges, recreational and outdoor sports and more.
The best candidate will have dynamic writing ability and the knowledge to report about football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track and field and more. But let's be clear; we’re not looking for run-of-the mill coverage. Our readers already know what the score was. They want something more meaningful, and we need a reporter who can find and deliver those stories from around northwestern Pennsylvania, and especially Erie County.
This role is part of a broader newsgathering operation, expanding reach and allowing content to run statewide and, at times, regionally or nationally. The reporter will break news, create compelling in-depth analysis, cover live sporting events and produce enterprise features and innovative projects that illustrate the power of storytelling for our subscribers. This reporter will have a sound presence on social media, particularly Twitter and Instagram, to report the news, share viewpoints, engage with readers and promote content.
The sports reporter is a member of the Erie News Guild, Local 38187, a local union chartered by The Newspaper Guild/CWA.
Responsibilities:
· Be a leading voice in high school sports in northwestern Pennsylvania, strengthening an already rich source network of coaches, athletes and other influential people on the beat.
· Connect with the community through social media, including Instagram.
· Be unafraid to ask difficult questions and find the answers, even if they are not readily apparent.
· Constantly evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
· Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Capture basic photos and video as needed.
· 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.
· This can be an entry-level position, but 2-4 years of reporting/newsroom experience is preferred.
· Adept at taking photos and video and the ability to file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
· Strong command of grammar and AP style.
· Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
· 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 a key beat in our newsroom.
· Comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram 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.
· Able to work late nights or weekends as needed.
· 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 and a motor vehicle record check & 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.
3. 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.
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 Columnist and Journalist
- Job Function Content
- Pay Type Hourly