Breaking News Reporter

Location: San Jose, California; reports to the San Jose office and completes field assignments throughout the Bay Area

Salary: $30.00–$34.98 per hour plus a cell phone stipend

Company

hirify.global operates the Bay Area News Group and its print and digital local news publications, including The Mercury News and East Bay Times.

What you will do

• Respond quickly to breaking news involving public interest and public impact.
• Develop sources within local police, fire, and government agencies.
• Report and write from breaking news scenes in the field.
• Monitor court filings, public records, and social media to identify stories and trends.
• Collaborate across the newsroom on high-impact coverage.
• Report and publish clear, engaging stories across digital platforms and social media in real time.

Requirements

• Strong news judgment, competitive drive, and the ability to produce reporting beyond surface-level coverage.
• Experience working with sources, records, and data to uncover original stories.
• Ability to manage multiple stories under deadline pressure and publish across digital platforms.
• At least one to two years of professional or student journalism experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must be available for shift work, occasional driving, in-person training, meetings, and field assignments across the Bay Area.

Nice to have

• Additional language skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced newsroom focused on local public-impact journalism.
• Opportunities for enterprise reporting and deeper coverage of regional issues.
• Eligible employees may receive medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k), paid time off, and select paid holidays are available based on eligibility.

Hiring process

• Submit an online application, resume, cover letter, and four to five work samples.
• Selection includes a full pre-employment background check and motor vehicle record check.