The News Journal is looking for a legislative reporter after the departure of Scott Goss.
Goss took the the communications post for Senate Democrats. He also worked as a business reporter at the News Journal and prior to that for Gatehouse papers in Delaware (Dover Post etc.), Cecil Whig and Newark Post.
A help wanted advertisement has been posted for the legislative reporting job The posting says the job requires three years of experience. Also posted are openings in trending news, environmental and family-education reporting positions.
Goss’ departure comes at a bad time for statehouse watchers as the Delaware General Assembly moves into high gear in hashing out the state budget and other issues.
Earlier, the News Journal issued walking papers to a couple of editors and one videographer during another wave of cutbacks by parent company Gannett.
Concern has been growing in Delaware and elsewhere as the number of statehouse reporters decrease and odds grow that issues large and small are being left uncovered.
At one time, The News Journal had two or three full-time statehouse reporters, with other covering state agencies, Kent County, etc. That roster was reduced over the years as advertising revenues dwindled.
Gannett is currently facing a possible takeover battle with the parent company Digital First. Digital First has offered $3.3 billion for Gannett, an offer the company’s board described as hostile.
Digital First is known for making deep cuts in staff. It enraged Coloradoans by slashing positions at the prize-winning Denver Post.
Digital First owns the Daily Local News in West Chester and other papers in suburban Philadelphia.
Help wanted sign out at Business Times
Also looking for a reporter is the Delaware Business Times.The Today Media business journal recently hired former News Journal business reporter Peter Osborne as editor in filling the long-vacant position and plans to make some changes.
The Business Times is printed every other week and operates a website, newsletter, book of lists and special events business.
