Entertainment Writer/Reporter, Documentaries & Nostalgia, USA TODAY Entertainment

Entertainment Writer/Reporter, Documentaries & Nostalgia, USA TODAY Entertainment

Reports to: TV & Streaming Editor

Location: New York or Los Angeles strongly preferred

Overview:

USA TODAY Entertainment is seeking a talented and passionate Writer/Reporter to join our Entertainment team with a primary focus on covering documentaries and the people who bring them to life. This position reports to the TV & Streaming Editor. The successful candidate will spotlight both A-list celebrities in film, television, and music, as well as real individuals at the heart of true crime stories and other documentaries, using compelling storytelling to engage and inform our diverse audience. Your work will help position USA TODAY as a leader in documentary coverage, across digital, print, and video platforms, as well as help us dive into older catalogues of content in the streaming space.

• Research, report, pitch, and produce timely and engaging stories on documentaries and the people featured within them, including celebrities and real-life subjects.
• Identify and highlight headline-worthy moments and trends in the documentary landscape, ensuring USA TODAY remains at the forefront of entertainment news.
• Stay on top of entertainment trends, identifying nostalgia stories and content resonating with audiences that deserve new coverage.
• Conduct interviews with on-screen talent, and subjects of documentaries, delivering insightful coverage that resonates with audiences.
• Write, edit, and publish content optimized for digital, print, and vertical video platforms, adhering to USA TODAY's high journalistic standards.
• Leverage AI tools and analytics to inform content strategy and maximize reader engagement across all platforms.
• Collaborate with editors, videographers, and other team members to produce multi-platform storytelling that stands out in a crowded media landscape.

• At least 3 to 5 years of reporting or writing in entertainment journalism.
• Strong understanding of the entertainment industry, especially trends in documentaries, film, television, music, and true crime.
• Demonstrated ability to identify newsworthy angles and create compelling, accurate, and well-structured stories under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in multi-platform storytelling, including digital publishing, print, and video (especially vertical formats).
• Sharp audience insight, with the ability to understand what makes documentaries resonate with diverse readers and viewers.
• Contacts and sources within the documentary television space.
• Strong communication skills, collaborative spirit, and adaptability in a fast-paced newsroom environment.

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.