The Lansing State Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a self-starting, digitally savvy journalist to be our trending news and breaking news reporter, identifying, verifying and curating news of what residents are talking and asking about in and around Michigan's capital city.
The reporter will spot rising trending topics in the Lansing area each morning and quickly create high-interest stories to reach new audiences and encourage loyal readers to subscribe. The beat will be most active in the mornings, when online audiences are most engaged.
This reporter will pursue news, weather, politics, business and entertainment articles and videos, as well as features, about topics already trending online or based on online conversations. Quick, tight, lively writing is a must. This reporter is also expected to have the range to handle breaking news coverage, including public safety news, and quick-turn enterprise. At times, this reporter will be tasked with reporting deeper enterprise articles on the topics important to subscribers.
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It is a high-volume beat, responsible for one to three short posts most days while balancing some ongoing longer-range stories. Doing the job well requires more than curation. This reporter is expected to add smart context andoriginal reporting - answering the questions on readers' minds in a clear, concise and compelling way.
The reporter will work at times in partnership with USA TODAY Network reporters throughout Michigan and elsewhere.
Lansing is a vibrant community at the center of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, with Michigan State University nearby, Detroit 90 minutes southeast and a Great Lake within driving distance in every direction.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
- Strong writing skills and a command of grammar, ethics and AP style.
- Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, sometimes stressful situations.
- Eager to capitalize on live, breaking and trending moments by creating quick-turn content for social media and other digital platforms
- Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit and experience engaging readers in this public space.
- Experience with and interest in multimedia, including video and audio.
- A self-starter who owns the beat yet works collaboratively with others locally and regionally to meet common goals.
- A journalist committed to values of fairness, diversity, inclusion and professionalism.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least two years of applicable experience as a reporter/writer.
- Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.
- 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.
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.
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