General Assignment Reporter II
Req #23751
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 Courier and Daily Comet, sister papers in Houma and Thibodaux, La., are seeking a reporter to cover local news in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, a Cajun community about an hour southwest of New Orleans. This position will focus on crime, courts, and general assignments. We're looking for someone with a strong nose for news, healthy curiosity, and the diligence it takes to write stories that go beyond the superficial. We’re looking for someone with a strong desire to write interesting and insightful stories about local events and people quickly, accurately, and authoritatively. The ideal candidate will think critically on the fly, consider no assignment too big or small and be unafraid to ask probing questions.
We work flexible hours dictated often by news events and our need to respond quickly and effectively. Our reporters work in multiple media, including photo, video, print and online. Dexterity in all of these, as well as with common word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and video-editing systems, is preferred. A four-year college degree is required. Previous experience at a daily newspaper or other professional news organization is preferred but not necessary. Our brands consistently earn major journalism awards, and The Courier or the
Daily Comet have been named Louisiana Press Association Newspaper of the Year for most of the past two decades. Learn more here. Both papers are owned by Gannett. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and opportunities for professional growth. To apply, send your resume and at least five writing samples, or link to online portfolio, to Executive Editor Keith Magill at keith.magill@houmatoday.com.
To apply, send your resume and at least five writing samples, or link to online portfolio, to Executive Editor Keith Magill at keith.magill@houmatoday.com.
Responsibilities:
- Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms with metrics.
- Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
- Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
- Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Works with editor to evaluate metrics, what's working, what's not and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborate to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, videos and graphics.
- Captures basic photos and videos as needed.
- Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
- Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent years of experience preferred.
- 2+ years experience preferred
- Exceptional core journalism skills (reporter, producing, editing). Strong command of AP grammar and style.
- Self-motivation and self-direction.
- Advance knowledge of social media and how to engage fan base on digital platforms in 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.
- Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the company's goals.
- Command of media law and Principle of Ethical Conduct.
- This position often requires employees to work extended hours, evening, weekends, and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
- 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 & 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.
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Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly