WSJ seeking Apple reporter

TALKING BIZ NEWS EXCLUSIVE

Wall Street Journal deputy managing editor Matt Murray sent out the following announcement to the staff on Monday:

We are looking to fill one of the most important, and toughest, beats at the Journal: Covering Apple.

This is a job for an experienced, demonstrated news breaker and creative sourcer of the highest caliber. The successful candidate must be able to get inside a secretive company and report on everything from future products and corporate strategies to the trends Apple is leading in computers and mobile devices, as well as how people are consuming digital entertainment, media and technology.

The candidate would be covering Apple during a particularly crucial period. Even as Apple has become the world’s most valuable tech company — and might soon exceed Exxon as the world’s most valuable company — CEO Steve Jobs remains on medical leave. The reporter must address a possible leadership transition with sensitivity and care, as well as the increasing scrutiny Apple faces from regulators and the multiple battles — legal and turf-wise — with rivals like Google, Amazon and Samsung.

The beat is fast-paced and highly competitive. The ability to collaborate with other reporters covering telecoms, media, entertainment, management, government and technology across bureaus worldwide is a must, as is demonstrated skill at writing quickly and cleanly. The position is based in San Francisco.