YouTube Writer/Reporter, USA Today Entertainment

YouTube Writer/Reporter - USA Today Entertainment

Reporting to: New Media Editor

Location: New York or Los Angeles strongly preferred

Overview:

USA Today is seeking a dynamic and creative YouTube Writer/Reporter to join our entertainment team. Reporting to the New Media Editor, this role centers on covering the evolving YouTube landscape-including top creators, trending shows, and breaking news in the YouTube space. With a focus on discovering unique story angles, you will help inform and engage our audience through compelling coverage of the YouTube creator community. The ideal candidate will help grow and define a new vertical within our entertainment content, leveraging AI tools and vertical video storytelling to reach a broad, digital-first audience.

Responsibilities:

• Report on major YouTube talent, shows, and industry news, providing timely and accurate coverage.
• Develop and maintain reliable contacts and sources within the creator space to ensure exclusive and authoritative reporting.
• Identify and develop unique story angles that highlight the creativity and impact of YouTube creators.
• Produce timely, accurate, and compelling content that can scale across platforms, including written articles and vertical video segments.
• Collaborate closely with the TV & Streaming team and the broader Entertainment team to produce cross-platform stories.
• Monitor trends and shifts within the YouTube space to keep USA TODAY readers informed and ahead of the curve.
• Utilize AI-driven tools for research, trend analysis, and content optimization to maximize reach and engagement.
• Participate in editorial meetings, pitch new story ideas, and contribute to the strategic growth of USA TODAY's entertainment coverage.
• Adhere to the highest standards of journalistic ethics, including fact-checking and source verification.

• At least 3 to 5 years of reporting or writing in entertainment journalism.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the YouTube creator space, including familiarity with top creators, channels, and platform trends and sources that will facilitate your reporting on those topics.
• Proven passion for storytelling, with the ability to craft engaging narratives for a nationwide audience.
• Demonstrated ability to produce fast, accurate, and engaging content under tight deadlines.
• Excellent news judgment and an ability to identify stories that resonate with a broad audience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, collaborative team.

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