Breaking News and Trending Topics Reporter

Gannett; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY Network, seeks a digital-first Breaking and Trending News Reporter to lead fast, accurate coverage of the capital region and the conversations driving them.

This role centers on identifying, verifying and publishing stories in real time for Tallahassee-area readers, with a focus on people-first storytelling and data-driven coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of reporting experience preferred.
• Proven ability to write quickly, accurately and engagingly on deadline.

Responsibilities

• Own breaking news coverage for Tallahassee and Leon County, delivering fast, accurate updates as stories develop.
• Identify trending topics using tools like social media, Google Trends and audience metrics, and quickly turn them into high-interest stories.
• Produce high-volume digital journalism from quick-turn stories to explainers, live updates and enterprise follow-ups.
• Write with urgency and clarity, filing quickly while maintaining accuracy and strong news judgment.
• Focus on people-first storytelling, showing how news impacts local residents and communities.
• Optimize content for digital audiences, including SEO headlines, engagement formats and multimedia elements.
• Monitor real-time analytics to refine coverage and respond to reader demand.
• Develop sources and original reporting, going beyond aggregation to add context and depth.
• Collaborate with editors and reporters across the USA TODAY Network to localize statewide and national stories.
• Produce photos, video and social content to extend reach and engagement.

Skills

Digital journalism

News judgment

Deadline writing

SEO

Social listening

Audience metrics

Multimedia content

AP style

Journalism ethics

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Tools

SEO tools

Analytics platforms

Job description

The Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a digital-first Breaking and Trending News Reporter to lead fast, accurate coverage of the biggest stories in the capital region - and the conversations driving them.

This is a high-impact role at the center of daily news, responsible for identifying, verifying and publishing stories that Tallahassee-area readers are searching for, talking about and sharing, and doing so in real time.

We’re looking for a competitive, audience-focused journalist who thrives on urgency, embraces analytics, and tells people-first stories that explain not just what happened, but why it matters.

What you’ll do

• Own breaking news coverage for Tallahassee and Leon County, delivering fast, accurate updates as stories develop
• Identify trending topics using tools like social media, Google Trends and audience metrics, and quickly turn them into high-interest stories
• Produce high-volume digital journalism from quick-turn stories to explainers, live updates and enterprise follow-ups
• Write with urgency and clarity, filing quickly while maintaining accuracy and strong news judgment
• Focus on people-first storytelling, showing how news impacts local residents and communities
• Optimize content for digital audiences, including SEO headlines, engagement formats and multimedia elements
• Monitor real-time analytics to refine coverage and respond to reader demand
• Develop sources and original reporting, going beyond aggregation to add context and depth
• Collaborate with editors and reporters across the USA TODAY Network to localize statewide and national stories
• Produce photos, video and social content to extend reach and engagement

What we’re looking for

• A digitally savvy, self-starting reporter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Strong news judgment and the ability to spot stories that will resonate with readers
• Proven ability to write quickly, accurately and engagingly on deadline
• Experience using SEO, social listening and audience metrics to drive coverage decisions
• A competitive mindset and passion for growing audience and reach
• Be comfortable juggling breaking news, trending topics and enterprise work simultaneously
• Ability to produce multimedia content, including photos and video
• Strong understanding of journalism ethics, media law and AP style
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2+ years of reporting experience preferred