LA-Based Reporter: Showcasing California’s Unique Stories Dedicated Coverage of Southern California News, People, Places, Events, Culture, and Outdoor Adventure

LA-Based Reporter: Showcasing California's Unique Stories

Dedicated Coverage of Southern California News, People, Places, Events, Culture, and Outdoor Adventure

California Reporter, Los Angeles

This LA-based reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK is devoted to serving the vibrant, diverse readership of California, with a focus on the pulse and personality of Los Angeles and Southern California. In addition to exploring the heart and soul of LA, the reporter will venture into the broader Southern California region to spotlight the outdoors, adventure and recreation opportunities that define the area-legendary national parks, scenic beaches, mountain escapes, and desert landscapes.

This role demands both versatility and collaboration. The reporter will work with producers, videographers, reporters, editors and audience specialists to deliver multimedia storytelling and news from the heart and soul of LA, neighboring cities and counties. From historic neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and Venice Beach to events like the Oscars, LA Pride, and the Rose Parade; from beloved brands born in LA to food scenes in Koreatown and Little Ethiopia; from the surf of Huntington Beach to the trails of Joshua Tree, the reporter will elevate the stories and subjects that make Southern California a cultural and recreational powerhouse.

Must be willing to relocate to the Los Angeles area.

Responsibilities:

Serve the needs of California's readers by producing rigorous, accessible, and engaging journalism spotlighting the top stories of the day from Los Angeles and Southern California, with a focus on the region's distinctive people, communities, events, iconic brands, cultural happenings and best adventure experiences.
Collaborate with USA TODAY Network local newsrooms and national teams to amplify stories of the region's everyday Angelenos and Southern Californians who shape their neighborhoods and wild spaces, with an eye on California's influential figures-from entertainment and tech innovators to grassroots activists and legendary athletes.
Deliver thoughtful analysis and dynamic reporting on the signature events, traditions, festivals, recreational activities, and milestones that define Southern California-from music festivals and sporting spectacles to cultural parades, local gatherings, and adventure outings.
Highlight the diversity of places and spaces, from the beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica to the historic streets of Downtown LA, the allure of Hollywood, the creativity of the Arts District, and the innovation of Silicon Beach, as well as hiking, camping, surfing, and climbing destinations across the region, such as Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree National Park, Catalina Island, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the San Bernardino Mountains, and the sunny shores of Orange County and San Diego.
Serve audience needs by creating stories across multiple platforms, celebrating what makes LA and Southern California special-its film, food, fashion, art, sports, music, recreation, outdoors, and more.
Contribute to public good by amplifying voices, exposing injustices, and sparking meaningful change through watchdog and solutions-oriented journalism, with attention to the unique challenges and triumphs of Southern California's communities and outdoor treasures.
Continuously assess coverage to ensure stories better serve and inspire audiences while capturing the essence, vibrancy, and spirit of LA and Southern California.
Promote the personal brand, the work of colleagues, and the institutional brand through engagement, events, and outreach.
Deliver exceptional customer service, guiding readers to answers and actionable solutions relevant to living, working, recreating, and thriving in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent professional experience.
Demonstrated commitment to serving readers and building community relationships.
At least two years of newsroom reporting, with experience in multimedia and collaborative environments and knowledge of LA and Southern California's people, places, outdoors, and culture strongly preferred.
Outstanding communication, news judgment, and headline-writing skills, with fluency in AP style.
Agility and initiative to identify stories that resonate with Southern California audiences, including those that illuminate what makes the region extraordinary.
Ability to thrive under deadline pressure, multitask, and contribute effectively within a team.
Command of media law, principles of ethical journalism, and commitment to accuracy and transparency.
Spanish fluency is highly valued.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and state-required minimum liability insurance.

Application Instructions:

We welcome your application and encourage you to showcase your passion for uncovering and sharing the stories that make Los Angeles and Southern California a place like no other. Please submit a single document containing:

Your resume (one to two pages).
A cover letter outlining your approach to this role and your relevant reporting experience in LA and Southern California.
Clips or links to your best work, highlighting coverage of the region's special people, places, brands, events, cultural identity, and outdoor pursuits.

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-NC1

The hourly rate for this role will range between $24.28 and $37.94. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.