The Tennessean is seeking an experienced reporter to own national coverage of the fast-changing automotive industry across the South. From turbulence in the electric vehicle sector and uncertainty surrounding looming tariffs to clashes over unionization of EV battery and foreign-owned manufacturing plants, the successful candidate will have a front row seat to one of the most compelling and consequential storylines of the upcoming Trump administration.
The South is on the front lines of these battles.
Based in Nashville, the journalist selected for this position will have eyes on everything from the massive investments in GM’s Spring Hill plant and Ford’s Blue Oval City campus to Elon Musk and Tesla’s fortunes in the new world order.
We are looking for a reporter who knows how to build sources, break news and bring our growing audience smart enterprise stories about the state of the auto industry and the people who rely on it.
Elements Of Coverage Include
- The automotive industry’s big bet on electric vehicles in the South
- The UAW’s push for collective bargaining in right-to-work states like Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, etc..
- Trending news on the auto industry.
- The Trump administration’s impact on the auto landscape
- Sales and earnings reports of all major manufactures
- Fuel economy / emissions updates
- Tariffs impacts on industry
Requirements
- Applicants must be willing to travel.
- At least three years of reporting experience that includes breaking news and enterprise work and demonstrates source development.
- Comfort using social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, X, Instagram and Reddit.
- Proficiency in finding trends in data.
- Experience taking photos and video on a mobile device.
- Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.
- Ability to efficiently manage multiple stories and projects at the same time.
- Ability to multitask and excel under deadline pressure.
- Ability to work collaboratively.
- Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
To apply, go here.
Chris RoushChris Roush was the dean of the School of Communications at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. He was previously Walter E. Hussman Sr. Distinguished Professor in business journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is a former business journalist for Bloomberg News, Businessweek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tampa Tribune and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He is the author of the leading business reporting textbook "Show me the Money: Writing Business and Economics Stories for Mass Communication" and "Thinking Things Over," a biography of former Wall Street Journal editor Vermont Royster.