Job Description

Digital Reporter

Work Location: Beaumont, TX, Laredo, TX, Midland, TX, or Plainview, TX

Hybrid

This position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. It also demands strong news judgment and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential across a variety of small community markets. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This person can juggle a high volume of stories across multiple markets daily, all while staying focused on the digital details of story production: Headlines, SEO, multi-media assets and other points of optimization.

The person who fills this position needs to be able to self-assign and re-prioritize in real-time. Additionally, this person needs to feel comfortable with being edited by peers – and to contribute to peer editing.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Pitch and write 3 to 5 stories a day based on what's trending in local market(s)
• Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, social media platforms or any other methods available to reach new audiences.
• Identify top news stories of the day based on analytics and audience potential.
• Quickly recognize and jump on breaking news for assigned markets and coordinate with other Hearst newspapers regionally.
• Work with local and regional editors as well as the Hearst development team to experiment with new ways of finding and engaging new audiences on social platforms and alternative storyforms.
• Create and maintain a steady supply of sources for story ideas that allows a depth of ideas each day that can provide different options to choose from.
• Be familiar with contact information for various agencies to obtain information as quickly as possible.
• Pitch and create alternative forms of content, including listicles, slideshows, and timelines.
• Work with other newsroom staff on shared byline projects as necessary.

Competencies/Critical Skills:

• Solid news judgment and a strong understanding of the local market. Awareness of media standards around fair use and an accurate citation for content.
• Proficient writer, fact-checker, and familiar with AP Style.
• Understand web metrics to guide story choices toward KPI growth. Knowledge of analytics and CMS tools such as Chartbeat and Google Analytics.
• Organized and able to meet deadlines in daily and breaking news situations.
• Open to off-typical schedules including early mornings, late evenings and/or weekends.

What are the measures of success for this position?

• Deliver stories quickly, accurately and at a consistent pace
• Meeting daily and weekly KPIs for audience growth, including story visits and subscriber traffic
• Grow your social media base and regularly promote links to stories
• Great teamwork with digital and newsroom staff

Experience, Qualifications, Technical Requirements, Education

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field required
• Understanding of audience engagement metrics is preferred
• News writing experience and familiarity with AP style required

Our Benefits: At Hearst Newspapers we not only support our employees through personal and professional development, but we also believe in promoting each individual's physical, financial and emotional wellbeing (and that of their family). Our industry-leading benefits include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Be your best self with our mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual's unique needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too – helping you keep them happy and healthy.
• And more, click here for additional benefits and details.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories–growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms–to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.

Be a part of something bigger–Your Headline Awaits

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