Summary of the US News Reporter (Casual) job at Newsweek

Newsweek is seeking a casual US News Reporter to join our UK-based digital newsroom, producing fast, accurate and original coverage of US politics, current affairs and culture for an American audience. The reporter will contribute original stories each day, applying strong editorial judgement, rigorous fact-checking and a sound understanding of media law.

Reporting to the News Editor, the casual US News Reporter will source, pitch, research and develop breaking news, original stories, exclusives, interviews, features and live blogs. They will obtain on-the-record statements from credible sources and subject-matter experts, and add depth to coverage by analysing relevant data and documentation. They will integrate multimedia elements where appropriate and write clear, engaging digital copy for an American audience.

The reporter will actively monitor a range of sources and platforms, including social media and Google Trends, to identify emerging stories, conversations and topics of interest to a US audience. They will work effectively to tight deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom and ensure all coverage is accurate, fair and in line with accepted standards of journalism.

This is a remote casual worker position. Working days and hours are flexible and will be agreed on an ad-hoc basis according to the needs of the bureau and mutual availability. Those based in London will also have the option of working from the London office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce multiple articles each day to a high editorial standard.

• Pitch original ideas and develop exclusives by securing expert and source quotes, obtaining documents and data, and advancing stories.

• Research and write original stories and features that engage an American audience.

• Respond quickly to breaking news and contribute to live blogs during major events.

• Monitor news wires, social media, Google Trends and other relevant sources for emerging stories, trends and conversations.

• Apply sound editorial judgement and rigorous fact-checking to ensure accuracy, fairness, clarity and journalistic integrity.

• Collaborate with editors, visuals and audience teams to package stories with graphics, images, video and embeds.

• Meet tight deadlines and respond flexibly to the demands of a fast-paced digital newsroom.

• Perform any other reasonable duties necessary to meet the needs of the business.

Person Specifications:

Required:

• Experience in a reputable, fast-paced digital newsroom, covering US news, including politics, current affairs and culture.

• Proven ability to source, pitch, report and produce several stories each day to a high standard.

• Detailed knowledge of US news and trends, and an understanding of how to write engaging stories for an American audience.

• Strong news judgement and an excellent command of clear, concise digital copy.

• Experience using social media and Google Trends to identify stories and emerging topics.

• Ability to work accurately and calmly to tight deadlines.

• Solid understanding of media law, sourcing best practice and ethical journalism.

Desirable:

• Proficiency with content management systems, digital publishing tools and basic analytics to inform coverage decisions.

• A track record of original reporting, including scoops, exclusives or high-impact enterprise pieces.

• Familiarity with data journalism basics, including spreadsheets, public datasets, simple charts and court or public records.

• Competency with multimedia, including image editing, simple video trimming and social embeds.

• Knowledge of SEO techniques and audience development strategies.

• Experience using collaboration tools, such as Microsoft 365 and Teams, in a distributed newsroom.