Twitter is already playing a large part in the news industry: it’s where many people find breaking news and it’s where journalists go to locate sources close to a breaking story. And they want to do more. They recently posted this job opening:
Twitter is playing an integral role in the evolution of the news industry — both as a tool for reporters and newsrooms and as a way for consumers to find news in real-time. Twitter has already changed the way news breaks and provided journalists new ways to connect with their readers. We are looking for a seasoned leader to shape and drive the next growth phase of Twitter’s partnership with the news industry. We believe Twitter is a valuable complement to the great work already being done and want to find ways for Twitter to help ensure the industry’s success.
How does Twitter envision their role in the news business? This is what they expect the new hire to do for Twitter:
You will be responsible for devising and executing the strategies that make Twitter indispensable to newsrooms and journalists, as well as an essential part of the operations and strategy of news organizations and TV news networks. You should have a strong vision for the broad potential of Twitter and news, while also being able to rigorously manage and scale the news team’s daily impact.
And these are the key results they hope this person will achieve for Twitter:
- Develop a multi-year year strategy for news that drives substantial increases in:
- Volume and quality of professional news content on Twitter, especially in breaking news
- Number of journalists using Twitter, both as a tool to aid their reporting and also as a tool to distribute their content
- Volume and quality in usage of Twitter as a source in news stories (online and in print)
- How widely and effectively Twitter products are used by news organizations—from embedded timelines and Tweets on news sites to adoption of on-Twitter products like Twitter Cards
- Volume and quality of on-air integrations across TV news networks
- Frequency and engagement level of user behavior around news content on Twitter
- Volume and quality of professional news content on Twitter, especially in breaking news
No small undertaking. And a clear indication of Twitter’s commitment to becoming a major influence in the news industry. If Twitter is not yet an integral part of your Digital PR and media relations strategy this might just be the nudge you need to rethink what you’re doing with Twitter.
