Public Safety Reporter II
Req #37733
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com
The Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking an experienced reporter to cover public safety, crime and courts.
This reporter will concentrate on immediate breaking news of major incidents, and in-depth investigative and enterprise storytelling on the impact on a community. You will tell first-hand accounts of how crime and public safety factor into real people’s lives.
The Courier Journal is one of the largest newsrooms in the USA TODAY Network and is an 11-time Pulitzer Prize-winning news organization in a metro area known for its nationally recognized chefs and restaurants; vibrant music scene, including the Forecastle music festival; world-class bourbon distilleries; and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. The quality of life is sky-high and the cost of living is impressively low.
- The candidate should identify public safety trends with an eye toward news everyday people can use or connecting them with solutions.
- The ideal candidate is inquisitive and independent, can cut through jargon, has quick reflexes and strong journalistic instincts. We’re looking for someone who will build relationships, crunch numbers and dig into public records from government to courts.
- This reporter will be expected to write several stories a week and balance a schedule of enterprise/watchdog content.
- Focus on high-interest topics in our metro with a short turnaround. Circle back on topics that analytics support for deeper dives. This position also requires some trending and general news coverage.
- Quickly explain key issues for a mobile and social media-driven audience who have little spare time. Ensure residents grasp what’s going on in their neighborhood and beyond through enterprise and watchdog work. Visuals and interactive storytelling tools should help the audiences’ understanding of a topic.
- Experience accessing public records to analyze and strengthen reporting will set you apart.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communication or equivalent in work and education.
- 2-5 years daily journalism experience.
- Able to work some evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed.
- Ability to write clear, compelling stories that engage our audience.
- Ability to multitask and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently.
- Command of journalism skills that lead to developing fair, balanced and accurate content in a publish-ready state.
- Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, insurance.
·A cover letter that outlines in broad strokes how you would approach the job
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