Trending/Breaking/Video Reporter

Gannett; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannett is seeking a Trending/Breaking/Video Reporter in Sarasota, Florida, to cover a fast-paced range of topics including crime, weather, and business news. The reporter will identify and execute on timely stories, collaborate with the Connect team, and utilize AI tools for efficient reporting. Responsibilities include writing, producing quick videos, and localizing national stories for the audience. The role supports Florida state news and requires understanding of analytics and engagement on social media.

Qualifications

• Proficient in fundamental reporting skills including accessing public records.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data effectively.
• Active on social media to track emerging topics.

Responsibilities

• Cover a wide range of breaking news and trending topics.
• Create quick videos and photo galleries for stories.
• Contribute to Florida state news initiatives.

Skills

Reporting fundamentals

Analytics understanding

Social media engagement

Video shooting and editing

Interviewing skills

Data analysis

Job description

The Trending/Breaking/Video Reporter

Responsibilities include covering a wide and fast-moving range of topics, including:

• Crime and public safety
• Traffic and weather developments
• Breaking business news, including openings and closings
• High-interest, trending topics of the day

This reporter will be responsible for quickly identifying and executing on timely, highinterest news and will be expected to be first in market on major breaking stories whenever possible. The role will also support ReNewsing Florida state news initiatives and contribute to Connect team coverage, ensuring strong collaboration across the network.

They will be on top of breaking news and what's trending each day, sometimes writing multiple times per day while also shooting video and photos, and be among the newsroom's top pageview producers.

They will create quick videos and photo galleries for almost every story, and at times produce video-only content. The reporter will need to have the fundamental skills of a reporter, including accessing public records (such as police reports and body‑camera and surveillance video), building sources, conducting interviews, and finding, analysing and interpreting data.

They will need to understand analytics, including Google Trends, and be active on social channels to identify emerging topics and audience interests. They will also be active in requesting user-generated content from social platforms and other sources. Embracing artificial intelligence as a tool to improve reporting and efficiency is expected.

This reporter will localise national and state stories for our audience and may work with other reporters and editors to create alternate URLs from existing stories. They will occasionally report in the field on topics ranging from business openings and closings to major breaking news, including hurricanes and tent‑pole events. The schedule may include working Tuesdays through Saturdays.