Public Safety/Breaking News/Courts Reporter
Req #24863
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.
The Ledger in Lakeland, FL ( theledger.com ) part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is hiring a Public Safety/Breaking News/Courts Reporter to cover stories as they develop via social media and mobile platforms. Along with breaking news, this reporter will develop quick-turn enterprise stories covering public safety, crime and courts in Polk County as well as other general assignments as needed.
Flexibility is key in this job, which includes coverage of public safety agencies, but is more than just a cops beat. This reporter will be expected to write fast breaking news as well as regular enterprise focusing on public safety accountability, key court cases and court administration and general assignment topics. One day may involve covering bigger crime stories, while another day is digging into more in-depth issues involving police or courts. This is a reporter who possesses the compassion and empathy to navigate an interview with someone who is dealing with tragedy and tell their story in a compelling and emotional way, but also has the aggressiveness to hold public officials accountable.
The ideal candidate is an aggressive journalist who is just as comfortable working outside the newsroom as inside it. We want someone who will break news in real time, and then keep readers updated as the story evolves. We put an emphasis on digital over print, and most of our stories develop online and feature visuals, including photos and video, as a key element in storytelling. Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone will prove beneficial for the successful candidate. Spanish is a plus.
This job is based in Lakeland, Florida, but requires frequent travel around Polk County, and occasionally outside of the county.
Education & Experience
- BS/BA in journalism or related discipline or commensurate experience.
- Previous successful experience in journalism, which can include internships
- Comfort and expertise with all digital platforms and social networks
Application Instructions:
When applying, please include a single document, preferably in PDF format, with your resume, a brief cover letter, work samples, portfolio links, etc.
The application only allows one document upload, so please combine your materials into a single document. Completing these steps will ensure that you receive the highest consideration.
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Other details
- Job Family UNION
- Job Function Content
- Pay Type Hourly