Some of the most consequential shifts in technology—across e-commerce, automotive, social media, AI, and beyond—are happening in China. Wired seeks a writer to cover this incredibly consequential landscape, with a particular focus on how China shapes technology for the entire world, and the US response to its rising dominance.
You’ll cover China-based companies with a major US presence, like ByteDance, Temu, and Shein, as well as those that broker influence in other parts of the world. You’ll break news about their most consequential actions, the governmental policies that enable or curtail them, and their impact on competitors and consumers alike. You’ll cover China’s tech-adjacent scientific and research communities, and track the country’s continued economic and technological ascent. You will bring a deep stable of sources to the role and be able to deliver breaking news and scoops.
You’ll also cover the increasingly aggressive US response to perceived threats from China, and the people and communities impacted by those efforts. You’ll cover China through a measured lens, cutting through hype and anxiety to find the human stories at the center of a critical beat. You’ll have lots of room to roam, and will work closely with editors to identify the sharpest angles on the most pressing stories in China and beyond.
The successful candidate must have extensive experience and a demonstrated portfolio of work covering China-based companies and must already be well-sourced in at least one of them. They must also have experience with both short and long-lead storytelling across a wide range of formats such as social, podcasts, video series, live events, etc.
This role reports to the Director, Business & Industry and is part of a growing and increasingly global newsroom of smart, kind, nerdy, and well-informed colleagues who are always brimming with ideas and eager to help each other out. This role is hybrid in-office (3 days/week) and we are open to candidates in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or London. For US candidates, this is a Guild position.
Primary responsibilities:
- Consistently pitch, report, and deliver breakthrough stories on China-based tech companies and their influence.
- Report and write/publish 2 to 4 stories per week, totaling 8 to 16 pieces published per month, balancing shorter news pieces with longer, differentiated enterprise work.
- Collaborate with other members of the business desk, and journalists from across the WIRED newsroom, to ensure that our coverage of China and international technology is smart, nuanced, and groundbreaking.
- Rigorously report, fact-check, and edit all drafts before filing them to the top editor.
- Produce original writing and reporting as well as adapt or update previously published content for a variety of WIRED newsletters, as assigned.
- Maintain your editorial slate and lineup with realistic deadlines and publish dates.
- Use analytics to hone your editorial strategy. If something isn’t working, you’ll try something new.
- Collaborate with members of other WIRED teams on cross-functional reporting projects that further our overall politics coverage.
- Collaborate with audio, video, events, and social media teams as needed to develop ways of telling stories on other platforms.
- Brainstorm and write copy for larger initiatives and projects, as assigned.
- Assist in sourcing and identifying new freelance contributors and voices to expand WIRED’s reach, as needed.
- Work collaboratively with global markets on all relevant stories or packages.
- Represent the brand in a public-facing way as necessary, such as in press opportunities, panels and speaking engagements, and internal company presentations.
- Additional projects/stories as assigned.
Requirements:
- At least 7 years experience as a technology or business journalist/reporter, with an extensive portfolio of original, scoop-driven reporting on China and Chinese technology companies.
- An established network of tech and business connections with a proven ability to obtain vital access to contacts that will generate scoops in Wired’s wheelhouse
- A clear, engaging, jargon-free writing style
- A thorough understanding and literacy within the tech and China landscape, including knowing what evidence, sourcing, and fact checking are necessary to write accurate, conversational articles about complex topics.
- Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage a constantly evolving workload and prioritize appropriately – balancing long-term value with near-term goals.
- Adaptable and flexible – ability to juggle multiple assignments with tight deadlines, staying calm under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal skills with an emotionally intelligent communication style (written and verbal). On camera experience is a plus.
- Experience using content management systems and social media platforms
- Knowledge of SEO best practices.
The expected base salary range for this position is from $94,000-$130,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.
To apply, go here.
