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Beat Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

leeenterprises

Buffalo Bills Beat Reporter

Buffalo, NY

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

BUFFALO BILLS BEAT REPORTER The Buffalo News is seeking an experienced, digital-savvy journalist who will own one of the highest-profile beats in the NFL. We are looking for an aggressive reporter ...

leeenterprises

Buffalo Bills Beat Reporter

Buffalo, NY

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

BUFFALO BILLS BEAT REPORTER The Buffalo News is seeking an experienced, digital-savvy journalist who will own one of the highest-profile beats in the NFL. We are looking for an aggressive reporter ...

Lee Enterprises

Buffalo Bills Beat Reporter

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

BUFFALO BILLS BEAT REPORTER The Buffalo News is seeking an experienced, digital-savvy journalist who will own one of the highest-profile beats in the NFL. We are looking for an aggressive reporter ...

Chicago Sun-Times

Beat Reporter, White Sox

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$61K - $72K/yr

We are seeking an experienced sports reporter to lead coverage of the Chicago White Sox. This role ... Experience covering a Major League Baseball beat for a daily news organization * Write clearly on ...

The Washington Post

D.C. Sports Reporter

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

Though the job will contain elements of a traditional NFL beat reporter, this reporter should be ready to help reimagine the role of a local beat reporter and to tell stories across other local ...

The Washington Post

D.C. Sports Reporter

Washington, DC

$73K - $110K/yr

Though the job will contain elements of a traditional NFL beat reporter, this reporter should be ready to help reimagine the role of a local beat reporter and to tell stories across other local ...

Fortune

Senior Reporter, Finance

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Has extensive experience covering finance news as a beat reporter, including a record of publishing scoops * Has a proven ability to develop sources inside and outside companies * Has strong writing ...

Capital City Press

Reporter

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

This beat requires a mix of quick-paced daily coverage, features and longer-term enterprise ... This reporter should be equally comfortable covering day-to-day developments and pursuing impactful ...

Hearst

Data Reporter, Education

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with reporters and editors across the San Antonio newsroom - particularly on the education beat - to find original angles and deliver high-impact ...

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Beat Reporter information

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How much do beat reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for beat reporter in the United States is $27.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Beat Reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Beat Reporter, you need strong reporting, research, and writing skills, typically backed by a degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, digital publishing tools, and social media platforms is essential for timely and effective news delivery. Curiosity, persistence, and the ability to build relationships with sources are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are vital for producing accurate, engaging coverage and establishing credibility within a specific news beat.

How does a Beat Reporter typically build and maintain strong relationships with sources?

Beat Reporters often focus on a specific area or subject, requiring them to regularly interact with key sources such as community leaders, public officials, and industry experts. Building trust involves consistency, professional integrity, and clear communication. Reporters are expected to attend events, conduct interviews, and follow up regularly to develop rapport. Maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the beat also help foster long-term, reliable connections that lead to more insightful and exclusive stories.

What is the difference between Beat Reporter vs Staff Writer?

AspectBeat ReporterStaff Writer
CredentialsJournalism degree, reporting experienceJournalism or related degree, writing skills
Work EnvironmentNews agencies, newspapers, online mediaMedia outlets, magazines, online platforms
Industry UsageSpecialized coverage of beats (e.g., politics, sports)General content creation across topics
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on beat-specific reporting rolesBroader writing roles in media

While both roles involve journalism and writing, a Beat Reporter specializes in covering specific topics or beats, providing in-depth, ongoing coverage. A Staff Writer has a broader scope, creating various types of content across different subjects. The Beat Reporter often works closely with specific beats like politics or sports, whereas the Staff Writer may contribute to multiple sections or topics within a media organization.

What is a beat reporter?

A beat reporter is a journalist who is assigned to cover a specific topic, area, or institution, such as sports, politics, crime, or education, on a regular basis. Their job is to develop expertise and sources within their 'beat' to provide in-depth and ongoing coverage of news and developments. Beat reporters often cultivate relationships with key contacts to break stories and provide context that general assignment reporters may not have. Their focused reporting helps ensure readers receive comprehensive and accurate information on the topics that matter most to their community.
More about Beat Reporter jobs
What cities are hiring for Beat Reporter jobs? Cities with the most Beat Reporter job openings:
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Beat Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Beat Reporter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,041 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Buffalo Bills Beat Reporter

leeenterprises

Buffalo, NY

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

BUFFALO BILLS BEAT REPORTER

The Buffalo News is seeking an experienced, digital-savvy journalist who will own one of the highest-profile beats in the NFL.

We are looking for an aggressive reporter who, as the lead beat writer on the Buffalo Bills, can break news, provide analysis and take readers behind the scenes at One Bills Drive in a way that expands our audience in Western New York and beyond.

The Bills have an enormous, passionate, worldwide audience. And Buffalo News readers have an insatiable appetite for the Bills: As our No. 1 franchise topic, we publish at least one Bills story every day, usually many more.

The Buffalo News has a proud history of unparalleled NFL coverage. It is the only organization from which three writers have served as president of the Pro Football Writers of America. We won seven APSE Top 10 honors this year, including the coveted “Triple Crown,” and the executive sports editor will become APSE president in July. 

Our ideal candidate will be able to break news and tell great stories across multiple platforms, often simultaneously. He or she will be as comfortable working sources as sitting in the press box covering the game. We are looking for someone whose writing reflects ambition and enterprise and can identify new ways to make sure your content grows our subscriber base and overall audience.

You’ll play a collaborative role on a four-person team that covers a franchise that generates as much buzz as any in North American sports. The spotlight is always on an NFL franchise, but it burns brighter here — never more than now, with Josh Allen at the controls, a new coach in Joe Brady and a brand-new stadium opening this fall.

A deep knowledge of football is a must. Previous NFL beat experience is preferred, but we will consider those with strong experience on a major college or other pro beat.

In this role, you will:

  • Produce coverage that goes beyond press availability, establishing a unique voice on the beat.
  • Develop sources and break news of all sorts on the Bills beat.
  • Contribute to our podcasts and produce vertical video.
  • Maintain consistent communication with editors and fellow staff members.
  • Monitor data analytics to understand what our readers want.
  • Be a strong storyteller who can report on the inner workings of the Bills organization and the rest of the NFL.

Other requirements include:

  • Proficiency in social media as a reporting and reader engagement tool
  • Ability to write quickly, clearly and accurately on deadline
  • Digital fluency
  • Effective time management skills given multiple responsibilities and travel commitments.

The Buffalo News has the largest staff of journalists in the region. We have a history of breaking big stories and investing in stories that matter. 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 region is a lot more than chicken wings and snow. The city has seen a resurgence that makes it an exciting time to work and live here. Aside from professional sports teams, the city has a philharmonic, a growing waterfront, a burgeoning medical campus and plenty of attitude – not to mention Niagara Falls, beautiful hikes and ski slopes all within a short drive.

Lee Enterprises is a leading provider of local news and information and a major subscription and advertising platform, with daily and weekly newspapers and rapidly expanding digital products serving 114 markets across 25 states.

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