Breaking News and Trending Topics Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. Through trusted brands like the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest (UK), we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses.

About the role

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. This high-impact role focuses on identifying, verifying, and publishing real-time stories that Tallahassee-area readers are searching for, talking about, and sharing.

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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2+ years of reporting experience preferred
• Digitally savvy, self-starting reporter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Strong news judgment and 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
• Competitive mindset and passion for growing audience and reach
• 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