Airlines and Travel Reporter (Newsperson)

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiasednews in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks a travel and airlines reporter with a track record of building sources at companies and government agencies that will allow them to break news on this critical beat. Based in Atlanta, Chicago or Dallas, this reporter covers the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, aviation-related activities of the National Transportation Safety Board, and airline news on consumer topics such as fare prices, plane safety and flight disruptions. This is a staff position covered by AP's agreement with the News Media Guild.

Responsibilities: This beat requires jumping in and providing reporting and context when there is an airline disaster anywhere in the world, whether that's a Boeing plane crash in South Korea or a door plug blowing out on an Alaska Airlines flight over Oregon. In this role, you will also have chief responsibility for the broader travel industry, which includes cruise lines, hotels and short-term rental sites like Airbnb, and must be able to find and write highly engaging, audience-friendly stories for busy holiday travel periods and on emerging tourism trends.

Reporting to the consumer trends news editor, you will juggle daily interviews and source-building with both spot news assignments and longer-term features, all while producing copy that is accurate and explains complex issues in clear and inviting ways. You consistently will generate ideas for insightful, impactful stories to pursue either alone or in collaboration with colleagues across regions, teams and formats. You will seek out opportunities to break news or report news that is exclusive to AP, giving priority to work that is likely to be of most interest to AP's audience. Teamwork, curiosity and communicating for planning purposes are essential to the airlines and travel beat. You should be enthusiastic about storytelling that works in digital formats, willing to experiment with new approaches and tools, and helpful in arranging compelling visuals to accompany their text.

Preferred qualifications: We're looking for someone with at least three years of full-time experience in journalism who will consistently deliver high-impact stories that appeal to AP's global audience. You should be an idea machine, able to think creatively and critically, and eager to build topic expertise, a wide range of sources and reliable data sets. It is essential that you can communicate clearly, concisely and conversationally and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines. You should have strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats. Experience covering federal agencies, a vital economic sector or the travel industry is a plus.

We're looking for someone who will:

• have a record of writing on deadline.
• understand how to use metrics to identify the stories that audiences are talking about and engaging with.
• work among a team of journalists, reporters and editors to deliver spot news and enterprise coverage that breaks news, has impact and is exclusive to AP.
• have strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats.
• have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate and drive stories that people will want to share, like and talk about on social media and other platforms.
• pursue innovative coverage techniques while maintaining AP's standards for integrity and objectivity
• have the ability and willingness to work any shift, including at night and on weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.

Other qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. or the ability to gain permission to do so.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats.

We'll consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

Application Deadline: May 29, 2025 @ 11:59PM ET

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.