News Reporter Job at ILLINOIS PRESS ASSOCIATION in Springfield

The Journal-Courier (myjournalcourier.com) in Jacksonville, Illinois, is seeking a news reporter. The Journal-Courier is a Monday through Saturday paper that is part of the Hearst Community Newspaper group, a division of Hearst Newspapers and Hearst Communications. We are vital news and information sources for communities in the Midwest and work to provide information, news, and marketing solutions to subscribers and local businesses in the towns we serve. We accomplish this goal by being an integral part of our local communities while tapping into the world-wide resources offered by Hearst Communications.

As a News Reporter, you will collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for the newspaper, special sections, and website.

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Collect, verify and analyze thoroughly newsworthy information.
2. Assemble findings into a stable story.
3. Write and deliver news stories with the reader’s perspective in mind.
4. Receive assignments or investigate news leads/tips.
5. Abide by journalism’s ethics and codes.
6. Contact, interview and research sources.
7. Maintain notes, photos, and audio recordings.
8. Cooperate with reporters, chief editor, producers, etc.
9. Stay up-to-date with the latest current events in the “beat” by studying papers, attending events, etc.
10. Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
11. Review written, audio, or video copy and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation and layout pages following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
12. Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
13. Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.
14. Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.
15. Think creatively.

Qualification and Skills

1. Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field required, or other degree and related experience.
2. Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.
3. Knowledge and use of AP Style.
4. Knowledge in maintaining and driving a digital-first thinking in the newsroom.
5. Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
6. Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
7. Ability to take photos for print and online use, and prepare photos for publication.
8. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
9. Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

As part of its continued efforts to maintain a safe workplace for employees, Hearst Newspapers requires that all employees who receive a written offer of employment on or after Nov. 12, 2021, be fully vaccinated (as defined by the CDC) against the coronavirus by the first day of employment as a condition of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Hearst Newspapers will consider requests for reasonable accommodations due to medical, including pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, and/or religious reasons on an individual basis in accordance with applicable legal requirements.