MMJ / Bureau Reporter

Job Description

The Multimedia Journalist Reporter produces, reports, shoots, writes, voices, edits and feeds news production content for all platforms in a manner that is clear, engaging and meaningful to news consumers.

WLNS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Lansing, Michigan, seeks a true reporter.

We want someone who wants to find and break big stories and lead the newscast every day. Being a great story finder is as important as being a great storyteller.

We want someone with superior writing skills - who can tell stories in a clear and compelling way - and who understands that way isn't always a straight package.

We want someone who is inquisitive, resourceful, and understands the importance of relationships.

This position is for our Jackson Bureau. Jackson is the second biggest city in our market and about 40 minutes south of Lansing. It's halfway between Lansing and Ann Arbor.

You'll be equipped with your own camera, car, editing equipment, and live backpack. You will be in daily contact with the staff in Lansing and get feedback on your stories each and every day.

This job is NOT about taking the paper's big story and doing the TV version of it. Quite the contrary: we want someone who will force the paper to copy off of you.

As the only TV reporter who will work (and live) in Jackson full-time, you will also be the station's ambassador at occasional public events.
• Reports news stories for broadcast, describing the background and details of events
• Arranges interviews with people who can provide information about stories
• Reviews copy and corrects errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines
• Reviews and evaluates notes taken about event aspects to isolate pertinent facts and details
• Determines a story's emphasis, length and format, and organizes material accordingly
• Researches and analyzes background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information
• Gathers information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social or other functions
• Pitches stories to news managers and news producers which are relevant to the local community
• Receives assignments and evaluates leads and tips to develop story ideas
• Discusses issues with producers and/or news managers to establish priorities or positions
• Checks reference materials such as books, news files or public records to obtain relevant facts
• Revises work to meet editorial approval or to fit time requirements
• Shoots and edits news events and news reports
• Produces and presents reports for all platforms
• Ensures that all content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
• Writes stories for the web and other eMedia platforms
• Interacts with viewers/users on social media sites
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

Requirements & Skills:
• Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
• Fluency in English
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required
• Minimum two years' experience in news reporting (Depending on market size)
• Superior on-air presence
• Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Flexibility to work any shift

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rv13k7-18-189-2-122-42 in your application.