Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. seeks a general assignment reporter for the Gaston Gazette to cover Gaston County with a focus on local government, growth and breaking news.

You will research, write and report compelling journalism, including enterprise pieces, and create video and photos to accompany your work. The role requires a self-starter with strong storytelling, flexibility for weekends and nights, and comfort using social media to engage readers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• One year of professional experience; strong college work will be considered.
• Strong grammar and style with publication-ready content.
• Proficiency with social platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram) to enhance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Create storytelling that informs and engages Gaston County audiences.
• Aim to become the community’s leading voice on local topics.
• Write quick-turn stories and in-depth enterprise pieces.
• Plan engagement opportunities via content, events and social channels.
• Collaborate with the content team to provide photos, videos and graphics.
• Produce basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote personal and brand integrity across work.
• Provide excellent reader service and help readers find answers.

Skills

Writing & reporting

Digital storytelling

Social media

Video basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism

Tools

Video editing basics

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com

The Gaston Gazette / gastongazette.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a general assignment reporter to cover Gaston County. This beat focuses on a variety of high-interest topics, including local government, food and dining, growth and development and breaking news.

We're looking for a reporter who can research, write and report compelling journalism (in-depth exclusive enterprise, database journalism and storytelling of interest) that continuously grows our readership.

We want a self-starter who can find their own stories and pivot as news develops. One day you might be covering breaking crime news, while on another day you might be reporting on a restaurant opening or closing.

Visuals are a key part of the effort, with the reporter expected to create and curate the best video and photos to accompany their work.

The Gazette is located in Gastonia, North Carolina, just minutes from Charlotte. Gaston County has a diverse landscape ranging from rural areas to a downtown in the midst of revitalization. The area has a university, community college and a mix of public and private schools. Gaston County regularly welcomes new businesses from boutiques to restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

Responsibilities

• Create storytelling that accurately informs and engages specific audiences.
• Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice in the area.
• Write both quick-turn stories on news of the day as well as more in-depth enterprise stories.
• Plan and execute engagement opportunities to reach audiences through content, community events and social media.
• Connect with the community through outreach and engagement (social media, forums, community leadership, etc.).
• Collaborate with the content team to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
• Produce basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote your personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institution.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of professional experience; strong college work will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure.
• Strong command of grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Is comfortable using social media such as X, Facebook and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
• Works weekends and nights as needed.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• 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 & urinalysis drug screen (for driving roles only).

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.