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Beat Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

leeenterprises

Buffalo Bills Beat Reporter

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

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 ...

New

leeenterprises

Reporter - Business Beat

Roanoke, VA

The beat also includes writing a weekly column about local retail and food businesses opening, expanding or closing. The job requires occasional night and weekend shifts. Successful candidates must ...

leeenterprises

Reporter - Business Beat

Roanoke, VA

The beat also includes writing a weekly column about local retail and food businesses opening, expanding or closing. The job requires occasional night and weekend shifts. Successful candidates must ...

gannett

UConn basketball reporter

Norwich, CT

$20.67 - $32.30/hr

As beat writer, this reporter is expected to provide primary coverage of the Huskies basketball programs, with priority on UConn women's basketball. This person will need to create sourcing inside ...

gannett

UConn basketball reporter

Norwich, CT · On-site

$20.67 - $32.30/hr

As beat writer, this reporter is expected to provide primary coverage of the Huskies basketball programs, with priority on UConn women's basketball. This person will need to create sourcing inside ...

Lee Enterprises

Reporter - Business Beat

Roanoke, VA · On-site

The beat also includes writing a weekly column about local retail and food businesses opening, expanding or closing. The job requires occasional night and weekend shifts. Successful candidates must ...

Fox

Writer, Politics

Washington, DC · On-site

$67K - $80K/yr

You can write and produce several stories efficiently each day - covering both the news of the ... Stay engaged with your beat during weekends or holidays as news demands * Inform editors of current ...

The Atlantic

Staff Writer

New York, NY

Although previous experience on this beat is not required, this staff writer will need to cultivate high-level sources at new and established outlets in pursuit of big, conversation-starting articles ...

New

The Atlantic

Staff Writer

Washington, DC

Although previous experience on this beat is not required, this staff writer will need to cultivate high-level sources at new and established outlets in pursuit of big, conversation-starting articles ...

Valnet Inc.

Android Police - Features Writer

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$53.25 - $70/hr

Requirements • Proven experience: 3+ years writing features for established tech/consumer outlets (prior bylines required). • Deep knowledge of at least one beat above; bonus for multiple. • ...

Hive

Technical Content Writer

San Francisco, CA

$60K - $90K/yr

Technical Content Writer Role We are looking for a talented cross-functional Content Writer to join ... beat * You are highly self-motivated and ambitious in achieving goals * You are a strong team ...

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Beat Writer information

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How much do beat writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for beat writer in the United States is $24.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Beat Writer vs Sports Journalist?

AspectBeat WriterSports Journalist
CredentialsTypically a degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldSimilar credentials, often with specialized sports knowledge
Work EnvironmentAssigns to specific beats or topics, often working for newspapers or online outletsBroader coverage, including reporting, feature writing, and analysis
Industry UsageCommonly used in newspapers, magazines, and online media focusing on specific topicsUsed across various media outlets for general and specialized sports coverage

In summary, a Beat Writer focuses on covering specific topics or beats regularly, often for newspapers or online outlets, while a Sports Journalist has a broader role that includes reporting, analysis, and feature writing across various sports topics. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and focus.

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

To excel as a Beat Writer, you need strong reporting skills, deep subject matter knowledge, and typically a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and digital publishing tools is often required. Curiosity, persistence, and the ability to build relationships make someone particularly effective in this role. These skills are essential for consistently delivering timely, accurate, and engaging coverage of a specific topic or industry.

What is a Beat Writer?

A beat writer is a journalist who is assigned to cover a specific topic, team, or area of interest—known as a 'beat'—on a regular basis. For example, a sports beat writer may follow one particular team, reporting on games, player news, and behind-the-scenes developments. Beat writers develop in-depth knowledge of their subject and build relationships with sources to provide timely, authoritative coverage. Their work is essential for delivering comprehensive and consistent information to readers. Beat writers often work for newspapers, magazines, or online media outlets.

How does a Beat Writer typically collaborate with editors and other newsroom staff?

Beat Writers work closely with editors to pitch stories, discuss angles, and receive feedback on their reporting. They often participate in editorial meetings to align their coverage with the publication’s priorities, and coordinate with photographers, digital producers, and sometimes other reporters to enhance their stories. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as Beat Writers must balance independent reporting with collaborative input to meet deadlines and maintain the publication’s standards.
More about Beat Writer jobs
What cities are hiring for Beat Writer jobs? Cities with the most Beat Writer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Beat Writer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Beat Writer jobs are:
Beat Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Beat Writer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,519 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Sixers Beat Writer, Sports

Sixers Beat Writer, Sports

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary
The Philadelphia Inquirer is seeking an experienced basketball writer to cover the Philadelphia 76ers, one of five major professional sports teams in a city and region known for its passionate fan base.
What You will Do
  • The Sixers beat writer will report to a team/assignment editor and work with teammates, including other beat writers and nationally recognized columnists.
    You will serve as the Inquirer's eyes and ears at Xfinity Mobile Arena and the team facility in Camden, NJ, on players, coaches and key front office officials at practices and games, at home and on the road.
  • You will be vigilant and reactive to all Sixers breaking news, and be available to write news stories as they happen, including in real time in the Inquirer's live blog.
  • You will monitor Sixers topics trending on social media, as well as NBA and sports-adjacent story ideas that touch on business, fashion, culture, lifestyle and personality.
  • You will be an active participant in developing coverage strategy with the rest of the editorial team, including creating content (video, audio or written) on social media and various off-platform entities such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.
  • You will serve as a front-facing sports personality, with the ability to discuss topics pertinent to the team on multiple Inquirer platforms, including video projects and podcasts.
  • You will be expected to build a local following, an audience who will engage with your content in any format - written, audio, video and social - to help promote Inquirer content across those landscapes.
  • The Sixers beat writer is expected to continue the Inquirer's long tradition of news breaking and in-depth storytelling while bringing a fresh and digital-first approach to the beat.
  • You will contribute to an inclusive and positive work environment.

Who We're looking for
  • The ideal candidate will be fully committed to a team-first ecosystem. This person is a dogged, thought-provoking interviewer who can recognize quickly what the story is but is someone patient enough to allow a story to develop when needed.
  • The Sixers beat writer comes with an established network of sources and contacts across sports but especially the NBA. He/she also is someone who can quickly build rapport and trust with new sources, has an effective gauge of Philadelphia's sports culture - especially the Sixers' rabid fan base - and will collaborate thoughtfully with editors and fellow writers to craft well-reported and researched stories.
  • Journalism experience is a requirement, and a familiarity with Philadelphia is an asset. Philadelphia has a long history of college and high school basketball excellence and a working knowledge of both is recommended.
  • The ideal candidate will be based in Philadelphia. Heavy travel in-season should be expected including split road trips with your beat partner.
  • You should deliver insightful stories in the offseason, especially during the slowest news weeks, with reporting and analysis that demonstrates to readers The Inquirer's expertise on the beat. We're looking for a reporter who brings an endless list of ideas to their beat, during the season and offseason.
  • You should also be a talented wordsmith and idea creator, working closely not only with your sport editor but with editors on other sports that fall within your knowledge wheelhouse. You should always be thinking about what's next for players, the team, the league, and what readers are looking forward to.
  • The ideal candidate must have at least 5 years of beat experience, covering high-level college or professional sports, including the NBA. He/she will have deep knowledge of sports' increasing influence on society and culture.
  • This is a highly competitive beat that requires a writer with a high motor. You and your beat partner will own all aspects of covering the team, on and off the field. You will be expected to break news, or react quickly to news and casual fan content.
  • The public-facing nature of this job requires a confident public speaker who can convene diverse audiences and lead discussions in creative and productive ways on camera. Further, this candidate will be an active participant on social media, helping produce written stories into social posts that stand on their own.

About Us.
The Philadelphia Inquirer is the media brand of record in Philadelphia and the region, and the largest news media organization in the state of Pennsylvania. A daily habit for almost 200 years, The Inquirer delivers Pulitzer Prize-winning news, sports, food, and lifestyle journalism multi-platform: Inquirer.com, Inquirer newspaper, e-editions, apps, newsletters, social, video, podcasts, and live events, generating 15M monthly impressions. Locally owned and headquartered in Philadelphia, no media brand is more deeply connected to the city or better understands what drives it. Our influence also extends across key drive markets, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York, as well as to Philadelphia expats who live across the country and root for the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers, Union and Philadelphia's college teams.
The Inquirer is an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, and any other category protected by federal, state and/or local law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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