Trending News Reporter

Role Description

Advance Media New York has an exciting opportunity for a Trending News Reporter to join our growing content team focused on Upstate New York. This role will cover a wide range of high-interest topics that matter to Upstate New Yorkers, including:

• News
• Weather
• Travel and tourism
• Business
• Everyday issues

The job will also include handling some clerical tasks such as:

• New business listings
• Election posts
• Police blotter

This position is at the forefront of a new approach to journalism, combining strong instincts with cutting-edge AI tools to produce timely, useful, and engaging content at scale. The ideal candidate is curious, adaptable, and not afraid to use AI as a core part of their workflow.

You’ll produce a high volume of stories each day and work alongside a supportive group of reporters and editors who know Central New York and the broader Upstate New York region inside and out.

What You’ll Do:

• Aggregate and write timely, accurate stories on trending topics across Upstate New York
• Use AI tools to streamline research, writing, and publishing workflows
• Cover topics including weather events, travel trends, tourism, businesses, and more
• Identify trending stories through social media and analytics
• Optimize headlines and content for audience engagement and search
• Assist with weekly duties related to data collection and posting

The base salary range is $45,000 to $55,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated writing skills
• Solid understanding of journalistic ethics, AP style, and story structure
• Strong headline writing and SEO instincts
• Comfort using AI tools, or a willingness and enthusiasm to learn quickly
• Ability to work independently under deadline pressure and juggle multiple assignments
• Experience sourcing stories from social platforms and digital communities
• Interest in Upstate New York news, culture, and communities
• Willingness to assist in other areas, such as election coverage and database development

Work Environment & Schedule

• Remote-friendly position. Candidates who live in Central/Upstate NY or have knowledge of the area are preferred.
• Weekly shift is Tuesday-Saturday.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience with emerging AI tools
• Opportunity to cover stories that directly impact communities across the region — from Syracuse to the Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes and beyond
• Supportive work environment for fast, curious journalists who want to experiment, innovate, and grow in a rapidly evolving newsroom