Breaking news/Business Reporter, Part-time

Part-time breaking news/business reporter: San Luis Obispo Tribune

The Tribune seeks a part-time reporter to cover weekend breaking news and North County business topics, particularly openings and closings of restaurants, breweries/wineries/bars and high-interest retail stores.

The opening is for 16 hours a week with a flexible schedule, including 2-4 hours each on Saturday and Sunday.

We’re looking for an independent, self-motivated journalist who can spot and report stories without waiting for the assignment.

Located on the picturesque and temperate Central Coast, The Tribune is one of 30 news organizations in McClatchy Media, including five in California. We punch above our weight, and we have consistently been named the best California news organization of our size. We turn stories fast, we hold people accountable and we’re always ready for the next great headline.

McClatchy Media’s journalists also are expected to take advantage of opportunities to ethically harness and leverage artificial intelligence and other automation to enhance and elevate their work and to find efficiencies that free them to focus on source-building and high-quality, deeply reported journalism.

What you’ll bring:

• An unyielding intellectual curiosity, where the "why" and "what it means" are equivalent to the "what happened."
• Strong writing skills, excellent news judgment and a demonstrated ability to "see the story" that is going to matter to readers.
• Ability to build source networks and bring a constant flow of story ideas.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give constructive criticism.
• The ability to shoot basic photos and vertical videos.
• A track record for innovation, learning and using new skills and technologies, especially AI.
• The desire and skills to build audience loyalty, engagement and growth around compelling public service journalism.
• A willingness to represent The Tribune at community events or in live journalism initiatives.

What you’ll do:

• Juggle multiple stories that connect with communities, build trust and provide the kind of value that compels readers to become subscribers.
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to strengthen your reporting while finding efficiencies and expanding the sophistication of your work.
• Embrace alternative story formats, experimenting with multimedia storytelling and collaborating with colleagues on our visual and data teams.
• Be accurate, fair and unbiased in your reporting and the stories you write.

Requirements:

• 1-3 years of reporting experience, including new college graduates with internship experience in daily and college newsrooms.
• The ability to work flexible hours is essential. This position may require some evening shifts to cover local events.
• Must have reliable transportation. Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required.

The anticipated pay range for this position is $24-$25 an hour. Individual pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, department equity and relevant education.

To apply, include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work.

What we’ll bring …

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

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