Finger Lakes Trending News Reporter:

The Canandaigua, N.Y., Daily Messenger (www.mpnnow.com)is seeking a Finger Lakes trending news reporter whose work reflects what Finger Lakes/Rochester-area residents, business owners and visitors are searching for, curious about or amazed over.

From items on the many local wineries and tourist attractions to highlighting things to do, this reporter starting at 7 each morning will seek to deliver multiple, quick-turn news items per day, on many days. Tight, lively writing is a must.

This reporter is also expected to have the range to handle breaking news coverage, including public safety news and weather and concerning matters in Canandaigua and nearby Victor, including efforts to reduce traffic hazards. The trending news reporter will also adapt some audience-friendly approaches seen at other Gannett sites and develop such approaches on one's own.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong news judgment, the ability to file accurate, concise, and clean copy on tight deadlines, and to build on breaking news with quick-turn follow-up story ideas. The ideal candidate also should demonstrate a strong understanding of audience metrics and engagement tactics.

The ability to collaborate and work as part of a team of reporters across is a must.

HIGHLIGHTS:

The ideal candidate will:

• Pursue trending and developing news in the Finger Lakes region, primarily near Canandaigua Lake and the communities of Canandaigua and Victor and Naples but also extending eastward at times to the heart of the Finger Lakes near Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga lakes.

• Produce one or more quick-turn stories on most days, responding with hustle and vigor to coverage opportunities.

• Pay close attention to Google Trends and social media channels to identify topics of interest and curiosity to Canandaigua-area residents and to those with a stake in the Finger Lakes region (business owners, tourists, wine lovers).

• In such coverage, seek to answer one reader-relevant question well, and collaborate with editors and producers to align headline and SEO fields accordingly.

• Emphasize Finger Lakes things-to-do coverage, tied to seasons of the year, weekends and holidays, given the high amount of Google search for such information.

• Give special focus to Finger Lakes wineries, small businesses and tourist-oriented enterprises likely to be of interest locally and to persons who visit and vacation in the Finger Lakes.

• Work with editors and producers to shape reporting and storytelling to meet audience needs and interests on every platform. Most stories will be 500 words or less, respecting audience time and bandwidth.

• Tell many stories or parts of stories on social media, particularly on Instagram Reels.

• Use community engagement efforts and the Hearken reader feedback tool to involve Finger Lakes residents and visitors in generating story ideas, sometimes asking them what their favorites are (ex. favorite lake dinner cruise).

• Develop relationships in person and on social media with public officials, citizens, experts and others in order to provide unique insight into developing stories in the Finger Lakes region.

• Make it a mission to inform and engage readers through immediacy and people-centered storytelling.

• Use existing photo/video experience and seek training as needed.

• Pursue other story assignments and developing news stories and related duties as directed by editors.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

• At least one year of applicable experience as a reporter/writer.

• Ability to capture and edit photos, videos and audio in the field, and/or a willingness to be trained in these areas.

• Social media skills required.

• Proven experience with content management systems and social media channels.

• Effective time management and organizational skills.

HOW TO APPLY:

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 written, 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.

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The hourly rate for this role will range between $15.90 and $29.30.  Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.