Music/Entertainment Newsdesk Writer

Job Description

American Songwriter is looking for a creative, thorough, and detail-oriented Music/Entertainment News Writer to join our editorial team. Must be able to self-edit work, complete projects on time, and write effectively and quickly for multiple formats.  

Newsdesk Writer’s responsibilities include creating digital content that is readable, accurate, and ready for publication, and generating ideas for new content, and news stories, on a tight deadline. A successful candidate will have broad knowledge that spans music and radio, the online world, as well as trends, and other elements of pop culture. There may be opportunities to attend press junkets, and break news but much of the daily work will include aggregation. It will include skimming press releases, chasing leads, verifying tips, attempting to get quotes, reviewing aired programming, or repurposing content from other sources. It will also be a position that requires some evening and weekend hours. Ultimately, you’ll be creating quality written pieces that appeal to our audience and boost brand awareness.

Please share samples of your work or portfolio of your published articles, along with your application.

Responsibilities:

• Write a multiple news articles daily—producing well-researched content for publication online. 
• Communicate regularly with managers, publicists, and label representatives. 

• Write clear, concise copy in a timely manner.
• Build stories/news on Content Management System, WordPress.
• Proofread and edit posts before publication.
• Submit work to editors for input and approval.
• Ensure all-around consistency (style, fonts, images, and tone).
• Update website content as needed.
• Work closely with a writing team, including content writers and editors.
• Working closely with management to build online traffic.
• Follow an editorial calendar, collaborating with other members of the content production team to ensure timely delivery of materials

Requirements: 

• Excellent writing and editing skills- strong knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Have a basic grasp of Content Management Systems, CMS. (e.g. WordPress)
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently with little daily supervision.
• Ability to work/write quickly and efficiently – includes several music/entertainment news articles daily. 
• Extensive knowledge of, and passion for, music and pop culture that extends beyond work hours and office walls. 
• Willingness and ability to write 8-10 music news articles in a single shift.
• A meticulous approach to their work and an eye for detail. 
• Weekend and evening hours are required.

The position reports to Editor in Chief and Managing Editor. A.S. maintains a hybrid in-office/remote work schedule.