Trending & Breaking News Reporter

About the role

The USA TODAY Network is seeking a fast, competitive and digitally fluent Trending & Breaking News Reporter to join our Seacoast Media Group newsroom in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This reporter plays a critical role in covering breaking news, high‑interest developing stories and audience‑driven trends across the Seacoast region, with a strong emphasis on speed, accuracy and audience impact . This role is central to our mission of being the first and most trusted source of local news in one of New England's most competitive digital markets. Core Responsibilities Lead coverage of breaking news and fast‑moving stories , including public safety, courts, weather, transportation, government actions and community impact events. Identify, report and publish trending stories that resonate with local and regional audiences, particularly in Portsmouth, Exeter and Hampton - among our highest‑value audience markets. Deliver quick, clean and accurate first versions , while continuing to update and deepen coverage as stories evolve. Work closely with editors to optimize headlines, alerts and presentation for search, social and subscriber engagement . Use analytics tools (including Parse.ly) to inform coverage priorities and improve performance. Collaborate across the newsroom to ensure strong coordination during major breaking news moments. Maintain strong ethical standards and verification practices under deadline pressure. Audience & Performance Expectations This position is directly responsible for driving high‑volume digital readership and subscriber engagement through timely coverage of breaking and trending news. Performance expectations include: Consistent generation of high‑traffic stories and timely alerts Strong page‑view and subscriber start performance , consistent with prior benchmarks Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent experience Demonstrated experience covering breaking and developing news Proven ability to report, write and publish quickly without sacrificing accuracy Strong news judgment and ethical decision‑making Comfort working in a metrics‑informed newsroom Comfort working with emerging AI technologies. Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays and shifting schedules as news demands

Requirements

• Prior experience in a digital‑first local newsroom
• Familiarity with New England or Seacoast communities
• Experience with live blogs, breaking news alerts, AI, newsletters or social distribution
• Ability to pivot quickly between urgent breaking news and short‑turn enterprise
• Why Join Us
• You'll work in a high‑impact newsroom covering one of New England's most engaged communities, with the backing of the USA TODAY Network's digital scale, tools and support - and the autonomy to own fast‑moving, consequential stories that matter to readers.
• Application Instructions:
• We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
• Your resume - one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've 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.
• #Newsgnt
• #LI-CB1

Additional Information

Location: Portsmouth, NH Brands: Seacoastonline.com, Portsmouth Herald, Exeter News‑Letter Company: USA TODAY Network (Gannett)

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