Wisconsin State Capitol Reporter - Journalism Journey Initiative

Job Description

The Scripps Journalism Journey Initiative is looking for a print/digital journalist ready to make the transition to video-driven storytelling to join our team in Wisconsin and cover the state capitol and politics for our stations, WTMJ in Milwaukee and WGBA in Green Bay. Through the Journalism Journey Initiative, we hire and transition print journalists into broadcast and video-driven storytelling.

The role requires a self-starter who will research, develop, write, and deliver impactful stories and content across all platforms. Strong writing, sound news judgment, leadership, organizational and communication skills are a must, as well as being well-versed in state government.

Responsible for researching, writing, shooting, editing, and presenting coverage of newsworthy content relying on critical relationships with local and statewide news makers. This position will be relied upon primarily for daily news coverage of statewide issues out of Madison, WI.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
• Research, develop and present timely and topical news stories.
• Uncover stories through research and various statewide contacts.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of state government.
• Report, write, capture visual content, edit, and produce stories for multiple platforms on deadline including digital and OTT.
• Use computer databases to research statistics and facts.
• Gathers and verifies information regarding stories through interview, observation, and research.
• Organizes material, determines slant or emphasis, and writes story according to prescribed editorial style and format standards.
• Shoots video and still photos to illustrate stories.
• Edits videos for all multimedia platforms
• Write and produce quality news stories for multiple media platforms.
• Work cooperatively with photographer assigned to story if one is assigned.
• Participate in coverage of large-scale statewide events and national breaking news across the state.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
• At least six years of experience working as a print journalist or related position in a print journalism environment is preferred.
• A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field preferred
• A successful track record of journalism. This could include beat writing, investigative journalism, or specialty reporting. Political reporting experience a plus.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
• Ability to multi-task and manage ongoing projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and broad capacity to collaborate at all levels of the organization.
• Highly adaptable - Demonstrated openness and capacity to seek new opportunities and adopt new ways of doing things.
• Avid local or national news consumer that knows daily news, events, trends, and happenings on a local or national level.
• Strong vision and ability to advance stories.
• Extraordinarily passionate about writing; courageous and creative storyteller with attention to even tiny details - choosing the perfect words, grammar, spelling.
• Exceptional communication skills, oral and written.
• Experience covering Wisconsin politics is a plus.

Additional Requirements
• Valid driver's license and good driving record required. In addition, proof of insurance and liability coverage may be required.

ABOUT THE SCRIPPS JOURNALISM JOURNEY INITIATIVE:

The E.W. Scripps Company and Google are partnering on a multi-year initiative to transition experienced journalists with primarily print news backgrounds into broadcast news careers: the Scripps Journalism Journey Initiative. Journalists selected for participation in the Initiative will be hired into full-time career positions in Scripps local and national media newsrooms. The program provides mid-career transitions into video-driven storytelling through extensive training and support, including mentoring, job shadowing, hands-on work and individual coaching. Additional learning opportunities may include professional conferences, programs through the Google News Initiative, Poynter, journalism school programs, National Association of Broadcasters or Society of Professional Journalists.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-r0okom-216-73-217-10-42 in your application.