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.
Skills Required
- Experience as a journalist
- Deep knowledge of football
- Ability to break news and develop sources
- Ability to write quickly, clearly, and accurately on deadline
- Proficiency in social media for reporting and reader engagement
- Digital fluency
- Effective time management skills
- Previous NFL beat experience
- Strong experience covering a major college or other professional sports beat
What We Do
BH Media Group operates 71 newspapers and other titles located in 10 states.
