Reporter Job at Western News & Info Inc in Prescott Valley

The Reporter position gathers news, takes photographs, writes news, including feature and special assignment stories under the direction of the Editor. As well as covering assigned beat, keeps abreast of issues in news beats, changing newsroom technology and maintains a list of story ideas.

Essential Functions:

1. Writes accurate assigned stories, enterprise stories, beat stories and special publications as assigned by management.

2. Takes news and feature photos and videos as assigned using camera provided.

3. Maintains story counts requirements, including enterprise assignments and productivity requirements as assigned.

4. Writes in accordance with directions on grammar, syntax, usage and style as editor directs.

5. Rewrites local news, copy submitted and stringers’ copy to correct errors of omission, fact, style, punctuation, grammar and wordiness.

6. Produces and uploads material as needed for the publications’ websites; including social media. Generate ideas to improve web content.

7. Assists in preparation of newspaper and special publication pages, including selecting photos, writing headlines, cut lines, and checking graphics.

8. Has contact with people out in the community, over the phone and in the office in a courteous and professional manner.

9. Attends weekly editorial staff meeting.

10. Exceeds customer’s expectations in a courteous and professional manner. A customer is anyone who contributes directly or indirectly to the revenues of the organization.

11. Basic knowledge of office equipment including computers, email, fax machines, scanners and copiers. Must be able to type 45 wpm accurately.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Participates in company safety policies and procedures.

1. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing any customer service-related duties to the desired results as needed.
2. Cross trains in other jobs for back-up purposes and related duties as assigned by management.
3. If the essential functions of the position require the employee to drive, they must provide and drive vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and necessary amount of auto insurance.

Language Skills: Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend basic instructions verbally and in writing.

Education, experience and skills required:

1. Journalism degree or commensurate experience.

2. Reporting experience desired.

3. Good spelling and grammar skills required.

4. Knowledge of Associated Press style a must.

5. Needs strong verbal and customer relation skills.

6. Needs good organizational skills.

Physical Demands: The physical demands of the job may include bending, sitting, standing, lifting, climbing and driving. (Fill in if there are other demands):

1. Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.

2. Able to withstand prevalent weather conditions.

3. Physical demands are typical in an office environment.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations of the work environment may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level, smells and lighting in the work environment are usually moderate with exception to the print facilities. The company follows all state and federal regulations pertaining to employee welfare.