National Consumer Correspondent

Job Description

We're broadening the definition of consumer reporting, giving our audience in-depth information to protect what's valuable to them, work toward prosperity, prepare for downturns, and understand the macro and micro forces impacting consumers today. If you're an innovative, multiskilled journalist who loves to own the creation of your stories, including shooting and editing, we want your help reporting in-depth consumer pieces that will be highlighted in major markets across the nation! CBS Television Stations is seeking a National Consumer Correspondent to tell consumer stories and build an innovative franchise recognized by audiences across the country. The Correspondent/MSJ's primary focus will be identifying and generating original ideas of national importance that can be localized for multiple markets, with compelling storytelling and innovative, multiplatform delivery. The Correspondent/MSJ will be part of the CTS Innovation Lab, which experiments with next-generation storytelling, and tests new products, workflows and production models for the future. They will collaborate with the group's news, investigative and special projects teams, while also collaborating across platforms.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Ideate, research and create consumer stories with regular frequency and impact for the newscasts, specials, streams, websites and apps of CBS News and Stations.
• Shoot and edit video, photographs and other visuals to build consumer packages and story elements for multiplatform reporting and marketing.
• Organize, archive and ensure safekeeping of video assets. Facilitate sharing of video between story collaborators, stations and network.
• Efficiently improve newsgathering and investigative tactics to acquire information and story elements, such as developing relationships, cultivating sources, strategically landing interviews, and navigating open records laws. Localize stories through personalization and examples in multiple cities or regions.
• Vet tips and story ideas to identify and prioritize original, timely and topical investigative pieces with broad value to the audience.
• Urgently develop and complete consumer angles to elevate breaking news coverage.
• Obtain, analyze and visualize data sets for on-air and online reporting, including summarizing findings, writing narratives, and creating graphic elements and interactives.
• Understand, interpret and simplify complicated information, and then communicate the points and themes to stakeholders in a clear, concise way.
• Work closely with management, journalists and legal counsel in creating accurate, well-documented, bulletproof packages.
• Communicate frequently and optimally with respect and candor, and maintain highly collaborative, productive working environments and relationships with management and news personnel. Represent company expertly at all times in public interactions.
• Maintain all company-issued technology, equipment and vehicles, and initiate troubleshooting/repairs with urgency.
• Shoot and edit from various locations as needed for the gathering and presentation of stories. Assist in researching and coordinating travel arrangements.
• Must be willing to work an unpredictable and adaptable schedule as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
• 5+ years' experience as an on-air multiskilled journalist (shooting and editing your packages) and working on consumer, investigative or similar specialty content in a medium to large market.
• Must provide reel demonstrating expert videography, photography and editing skills. Advanced skills required with video editing software such as Media Composer, Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
• Advanced technical troubleshooting skills required.
• Must be physically able to carry, shoulder and shoot with a broadcast ENG camera (25 lbs. or more) as well as carry necessary equipment (tripod, lights, microphones, etc.).
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a good driving record.
• Excellent reading, writing, spelling, grammar and organizational skills required.
• Journalism degree or similar preferred.

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d9xnq7-3-138-122-195-42 in your application.