News Writer

Job Description

If you are a news-junky who can write fast and accurate scripts, this is the position for you.

Writers grow into producers in this fast-paced newsroom environment. You will learn to post web stories and updates on FOX40's social media accounts. Must be able to write, track breaking news, edit and have experience on multiple social media platforms, and we'll teach you the rest. Multi-tasking skills are required. Hours could include overnights, early mornings and holidays.

We need someone who is naturally inquisitive and is a self-starter who pushes for more opportunities.

Major Purpose: Daily production of quality news stories. Defined as fast and accurate writing with excellent production techniques, crisp active voice writing, with relevance to FOX40's viewing audience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
-Write and support line producers for hour-long newscasts. Learn to fill-in produce.
-Manage the live on-air decisions, including newscast timing in the control room.
-Evaluate local, state and national/international stories using websites, Twitter, FOX/CNN & Tribune News services, and wires.
-Determine placement of stories in the newscast and which stories should be ''live'' from remote trucks, newsroom, etc.
-Help devise and execute daily tease strategy for attracting and building audience.
-Plan future segments, topics, guests and story ideas.
-Post stories to the web.
-Maintain social media presence.
-Additional duties as necessary.

Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in Journalism or related field is desired.
- At least one year of experience in a working newsroom preferred.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
-Must be able to work well under deadline pressure
-Must have solid news judgment
-Must be a consistent and solid writer
-Must be a creative, flexible and able to act decisively
-Work well in a strong team environment
-Strong organizational skills

Working Relationships:
-Must work closely with anchors, assignment desk, executive producers, photographers, writers, reporters, and news management.

Supervisory Responsibility:
- None

Training Requirements:
- General safety, OPUS, TONS, VizRT
- Internet posting programs

Physical Demands:
- Required to sit for long periods of time
- Heavy computer usage

Personal Protective Equipment:
- None

Work Environment:
- Work performed primarily in an office newsroom environment, but field work may be required occasionally
- May be exposed to electrical equipment and loud noises

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d9zwn4-3-139-72-78-42 in your application.