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. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company through trusted brands like the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest in the UK.

About the role

The Gaston Gazette, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a general assignment reporter to cover Gaston County, North Carolina. This beat focuses on high-interest topics including local government, food and dining, growth and development, and breaking news. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can research, write, and report compelling journalism—from in-depth enterprise stories to quick-turn news—while growing readership. Visual storytelling is key; reporters are expected to create and curate photos and videos to accompany their work.

Gaston County offers a diverse landscape, from rural areas to a revitalizing downtown, and is home to a university, community college, and a mix of public and private schools. The area regularly welcomes new businesses, including boutiques, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

Responsibilities

• Create accurate, engaging storytelling that informs and resonates with audiences.
• Become the community’s leading voice through consistent, high-quality reporting.
• Write both quick-turn news stories and in-depth enterprise pieces.
• Plan and execute engagement opportunities via content, community events, and social media.
• Connect with the community through outreach, social media, forums, and leadership.
• Collaborate with the content team to incorporate photos, videos, and graphics into stories.
• Produce basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote your personal brand, colleagues’ work, and the institution.
• Provide excellent customer service by helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Work weekends and nights as needed in a fast-paced, digital-first environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• One year of professional experience; strong college work may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, and excel under pressure.
• Strong command of grammar, style, and copy-editing for clean, accurate, "publication-ready" content.
• Passion for news and content that performs well on social platforms.
• Comfort using social media (X, Facebook, Instagram) to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Facility with AI and automation to enhance journalism.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Ability to collaborate well in a team environment.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check, and urinalysis drug screen (for driving roles only).