California Trending News Reporter

The Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a high-energy, curious reporter to join our trending journalism team. Our trending reporter plays a key role in serving our California audience by providing fast-paced, engaging journalism that helps readers keep on top of local issues and trending sports, cultural and recreation-related topics and connect with the community and world around them. While the trending reporter would report on the whole of California, the position is based out of the Palm Springs newsroom, located in Southern California and ground-zero for buzzy entertainment, music, sports, outdoors and lifestyle news much of the year.

The right candidate understands or is eager to learn what California residents care about. The reporter is SEO savvy, can spot high-interest topics using engagement tools like Google Trends and can work independently but also thrives in collaborative environments.

You must be either based in California or willing to work Pacific Time hours, that will include some weekend days throughout the year.

Responsibilities:

• Answering questions local readers are asking on related to local topics in the news. What's trending in Southern California, and the whole of California?
• Localizing national trending stories in news, culture, entertainment, recreation and lifestyle.
• Amplify breaking news coverage by explaining complex topics in a scannable style.
• Providing content on evergreen topics, seasonal themes and the unique features of life in California.
• Be most active in the early mornings when online audiences are most engaged.
• Stay current on understanding social media, Google trends, audience metrics and SEO techniques; quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset determined to see one's work at the top of our page view charts each day.
• Monitor social media, news feeds, and other relevant sources to identify emerging trends in various beats.
• Be able to handle breaking news coverage, including public-safety news.
• Manage a high-volume beat, responsible for one to three short posts most weekdays, while balancing some ongoing longer-range stories.

• Be capable of quickly establishing their voice and building a loyal following on Instagram, X and Facebook.
• Have strong writing skills and a command of grammar and style.
• Develop strong skills related to social media, including Instagram Stories, as a tool to build audience and as a source for beat development.
• Have an interest in multimedia, including video.
• Be a self-starter who owns the beat yet works collaboratively with others locally and regionally to meet common goals.
• Display excellent news judgment and journalism ethics.
• Seek out diverse sources.
• Have a knack for SEO-driven headlines and other audience-driving strategies.
• Be nimble and able to adjust swiftly to shifting news demands

• Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years reporting experience, preferably in a digitally focused news organization.
• Commitment to detail, accuracy and fairness.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.