Reporter, Fast Break Desk

Join the hundreds of talented and innovative team members who are making an impact every day at California Times, incorporating Los Angeles Times. Whether you love to tell compelling stories or want to drive our award-winning powerhouse in new directions, the Los Angeles Times team is the place to be.

Job Description Summary

The Los Angeles Times has several openings for reporters on its Fast Break Desk, a team dedicated to rapid-response journalism.

Job Description

We are looking for versatile reporters with a deep interest in real-time news and connecting with our readers. The successful candidates must combine meticulous accuracy and news judgment with the ability to get stories published quickly and then keep building on our coverage. Multiple writing formats beyond the day’s news, including sidebars and explainers, as well as trending stories are expected in these positions. Reporters must have the ability to identify unique angles to story ideas and develop smart ways to attack big news as well as develop deeper follows. The positions will typically involve desk work but could require occasional time in the field.

These reporters will frequently collaborate across the Fast Break department and the broader newsroom as well as with audience and SEO experts, the homepage and photo and video departments. We are looking for reporters who can pivot among a variety of topics, including national, business, sports, consumer news, entertainment and lifestyle as well as California news and trending topics.

Responsibilities

Report and write breaking and trending news stories across a variety of subject areas, including crime, weather, celebrity coverage and other news-of-the-day topics
Demonstrate an ability and willingness to cover subject matter outside one’s knowledge or comfort zone
Identify unique angles that will advance a news story beyond what other outlets have already reported
Write engaging headlines and SEO components that are lively and conversational in tone (when appropriate) with a digital, diverse audience in mind
Respect and meet tight deadlines that will include brisk turnarounds on edits for multiple news posts a day
Work with fellow writers, editors, audience engagement staff and other members of the Fast Break team to achieve department and organizational goals

Requirements

A minimum of two years of journalism experience
Ability to foster excellent communication with peers, supervisors and the newsroom
Proven ability to juggle multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment
Excellent skills in news writing and reporting, combining strong news judgment, fluency in style and deep knowledge of taste and legal considerations
Ability to navigate digital platforms and stay on top of current events
Understanding of the importance of accuracy and precision
An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes collaboration
Comfortable appearing on TV and radio on behalf of the L.A. Times

The position is listed as Reporter in the Los Angeles Times Guild and will be based in El Segundo, Calif. Night and weekend work may occur in these positions. Reporters must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle in good working condition, with suitable auto insurance coverage.