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Community Reporter
Gannett
Zanesville, OH, United States
Job Details - this job has expired, please see similar jobs below
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an innovative, digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to strengthening communities across our network. With an unmatched local-to-national reach, Gannett touches the lives of more than 110 million people monthly with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Gannett brands include USA TODAY NETWORK with the iconic USA TODAY and more than 100 local media brands, digital marketing services companies ReachLocal and SweetIQ, and U.K. media company Newsquest.
The Zanesville Times Recorder (Zanesville, OH) is looking for an experienced reporter to join the team!
The ideal candidate researches, writes and reports compelling journalism that continuously grows a fan base by informing and engaging readers. Other essential job duties:
• Act as a public ambassador through community outreach and connects with readers through social media.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
• Produce storytelling journalism that meets audience needs and interests on every platform.
• Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.
Job Details
Charged with focusing on the 25-45 target audience for 100 percent of content produced, this reporter focuses on stories that matter to real local people and their lives, paying close attention to the blue-collar lifestyle of many residents. This reporter embeds within the life of local residents, focusing exclusively
on issues, places and people of interest with a primarily digital focus. Content can range from people features and restaurant profiles to harder-hitting examinations of key issues of concern to local residents,
including schools, jobs, shopping, safety and more.
This reporter must build a brand of local content that connects with local residents and then engage with
this audience following for guidance on content choices. Readers should consistently see this reporter at key community events and feel comfortable approaching them with tips and ideas. This reporter pays close attention to all readership metrics to shape content decisions and avoids boring traditional content while trying new ideas.
Typical Job Duties
• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of 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.
• Coaches and mentors less-experienced journalists.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Performs other duties as necessary.
Knowledge and Skills
• Ability to produce top-notch watchdog journalism.
• Exceptional cross-platform storytelling skills.
• Exceptional core journalism skills (reporter, producing, editing).
• Deep understanding of and curiosity about competition for our customers' time and money.
• 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 skill.
• Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
• Able to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Knows how to use time effectively in a 24-hour news environment.
• Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
• Must embrace peer-to-peer feedback and training.
• Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the company's goals.
• Writing, spelling, grammar, AP and local style.
• Industry knowledge.
• Organizational skills.
• Command of media law and Principle of Ethical Conduct.
Required Work Experience, Training and Education
• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or equivalent in experience and education.
• Five years of experience developing a personal brand and fan base.
• Experience with advanced storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.
• Must have technical skills - understanding use of metrics, Microsoft Office Suite, videography, and photography.
• Must have required skills - social media, advanced storytelling, advanced analytical ability, interpersonal skills, time management and interpersonal skills.
This position often requires employees to work extended hours, evening, weekends and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.