City Government Reporter

Job Description

CITY HALL REPORTER

The Buffalo News, an award-winning news organization in New York’s second-largest city, is seeking an enterprising reporter to cover Buffalo’s city government.

The City Hall beat is one of our most challenging and exciting beats. The reporter who covers it must be prepared to tackle a range of subjects including the city’s finances and budgeting; the politics associated with a mayor who has been in office for almost 20 years and his interaction with other elected officials and civic leaders; how it is serving a population that is aging and becoming more diverse; the difficulty of overcoming institutional racism and the attendant poverty is has created; and the annual challenge that comes from unpredictable and sometimes devastating winter weather.

Buffalo has much in common with other cities its size in the Northeast, foremost the struggle to adapt from its former status as a blue-collar manufacturing-based economy to one that seeks to attract the kind of businesses and people who have fled this part of the country for generations.

A mix of breaking news, quick-turn and longer-range enterprise stories will be expected. There is no doubt this beat is demanding. The person who takes this job must not only be adept at traditional newspaper storytelling, but also should be comfortable with incorporating video and audio and experienced in the art of using social media to build engagement with readers.

Requirements
•At least three years of reporting experience
•Background in political reporting a plus
•Experience in digital storytelling
•Proficiency in mining data and public records
•Video experience
•Social media skills

We strive to hire talented and dedicated people who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. People of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

Why Buffalo? The city has seen a resurgence that makes it an exciting time to work and live here. The region has professional sports teams, a philharmonic, a growing waterfront, Niagara Falls, beautiful hikes and ski slopes all within a short drive. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and clips of your published work.

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