Courts & Justice Reporter

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Job description

Req #19546
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services.

Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.

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Courts & Justice Reporter

The Ventura County Star/ vcstar.com , the leading news organization for a diverse region of 850,000 residents and part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a dynamic reporter to cover courts and issues of justice.

The courts reporter will be responsible for covering Ventura Countys court system with an eye toward the human element of criminal and civil court cases. The stories should focus less on procedure and more on the impact on victims, family and community.

The reporter should also be familiar with other local, state and federal court systems and be able to mine the beat for compelling stories on diverse topics from bail reform and evictions to drug and veterans court. The reporter will go beyond the courtroom to pick up on trends in crime and courts and translate them into stories that inform, explain and advance readers understanding of the issues.

The reporter should be comfortable developing sources across the legal system and the political spectrum. Part of the beat will include breaking news as needed.

We are located on the Southern California coast, within easy driving distance to Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara and the Central Coast. We have beautiful beaches and mountains, with sunshine and mild temperatures most of the year. It's the perfect location for someone who loves the outdoors.

Responsibilities:

• Break news and contribute daily stories, regular enterprise pieces and long-term investigative projects in coordination and collaboration with editors and fellow journalists.
• Take live video and still photos as necessary.
• Report, produce and publish stories quickly and accurately across multiple platforms.
• Use social media to enhance reporting, engage with the community and promote stories that feature your work and The Stars.
• Cultivate sources and provide behind-the-scenes coverage that goes beyond official actions and pronouncements.
• Use metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or masters in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least 2 years of daily reporting/newsroom experience.
• Experience shooting photos and videos is required and ability to file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Strong command of AP Style and grammar.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
• Passion and enthusiasm for news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Comfort working in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• Desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsrooms.
• Ability to use social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories not only to share information but also to listen for what the community is talking about.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Willingness to collaborate with others and work with a team on the biggest stories.
• Willingness to work some nights and weekends as needed by the news cycle.
• This role requires a valid drivers 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 and drug screen.
• The position is partially funded through Report for America. Candidate must sign contract with the nonprofit.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, dont limit your upload to a resume; show us what youve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what youve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

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.

#Content

Gannett 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 employees 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 Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicants disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.s Recruitment Department at .

Other details

• Job Family Frontline Journalists
• Job Function Consumer
• Pay Type Hourly
• Required Education Equivalent Experience

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