The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is looking for a reporter to join our breaking news and trending team. We want a reporter who is quick and flexible -- able to identify story ideas, write them in different formats and aggressively pursue them.
This reporter should be comfortable working with reporters and editors across the newsroom, and able to seamlessly move between topics, playing a role in some of the biggest stories but also able to develop their own story ideas.
The reporter will work closely with our breaking-trending team to cover the biggest stories in the state, help swarm breaking news and plan for major events, like the Republican National Conventions, sports playoffs and festivals.
The reporter will seek out viral moments connected to Wisconsin, cover the weather, assist with writing obituaries and be part of the newsrooms' first response to breaking news. Their primary source of story ideas should come from search and social media insights.
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The reporter should be comfortable taking creative angles off the daily news, like writing What's the big deal about Buc-ee's, a Texas gas station coming to Wisconsin, or rounding up reactions to something a presidential candidate said about Milwaukee.
The goal of this position is to reach new readers with creative story formats, including video, listicles, explainers and more.
The breaking-trending news reporter will work an early morning shift to help the newsroom get a jump start on the day, including early coverage of public safety and weather.
This reporter will use social listening tools to offer insight and value to readers on topics they care about. They will use data and analytics to inform their decisions. This reporter must have a passion for telling stories quickly when needed, in-depth when called for, and always with accuracy.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor emails, social media, community groups and other sources to find stories.
- Efficiently and accurately write stories, sometimes several per day.
- Find, pitch and swiftly produce stories on topics of emerging interest, with a focus on what readers want and need to know.
- Ensure content is properly optimized with conversational headlines, SEO, links, video and photo galleries.
- The typical shift will be early mornings but night and/or weekend shifts may also be required.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. We will also consider candidates with strong internships.
- Minimum of 3-3 years' reporting/newsroom experience.
- Demonstrated ability to write quickly on deadline, preferably in a digitally focused environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate clearly.
- A drive to be better, faster and more interesting than the competition.
- 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.
- Typical shift will be early mornings, but nights and/or weekend shifts may also be required.
- This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Applications Instructions
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.
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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