Gray Television is hiring: POLITICAL REPORTER/ MMJ - KFYR in Bismarck

About Gray Television:

Gray Media is a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households.

We constantly strive for excellence. Through upgrading to the latest technology and seeking new ways to stay on top in our markets, we focus on training and development of the best and brightest employees in the business.

About KFYR:

A job at our station is a learning experience unlike any you’ll find in a classroom. Daily hands-on involvement of senior staff guarantees a good product that not only serves our viewers but will take our team members to the next level. With over 36 hours of weekly news on our channels, KFYR-TV and West Dakota FOX are truly Western North Dakota’s news leaders. Our viewers have come to depend on our news team to be quick, fair, and accurate… from the first tweet and post to the nightly wrap-up and anchor explainer, you’ll get all the news.

Job Summary/Description:

KFYR TV is looking for a political reporter. The North Dakota legislative session will start in January. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum could become a cabinet member for the next president. It will be a busy start to 2025.

We are looking for a self-starter and someone with a proven track record covering state politics and developing relationships with lawmakers and key staff. This journalist must have the ability to dive into the data and tell impactful stories that hold elected officials and state agencies accountable. Coverage will be on-air, live or taped, and on digital platforms.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Works with news directors and assignment desks to determine, plan, and staff all important stories of state-wide politics.
2. Collaborates with all stations daily to communicate coverage plans and newscast goals.
3. Develops and maintains a network of sources and experts at all state agencies and with all political parties.
4. Travels throughout the state with candidates during election years, in collaboration with the supervising news director.
5. Understands open records and FOIA laws and files regular requests (at least weekly), managing and overseeing them.
6. Has strong research skills, is organized, and keeps track of legislation, summarizing and explaining it to viewers in a conversational manner.
7. Enterprises daily story ideas with statewide interest even when lawmakers aren't in session.
8. Acts as a digital-first MMJ, streaming news conferences, reporting on breaking news, and quickly turning web and social stories daily.
9. Exhibits excellent news judgment and journalism ethics.
10. Demonstrates strong writing, storytelling, and reporting skills.
11. Has the ability to shoot and edit own stories and go live.
12. Exhibits excellent live reporting skills and the ability to ad-lib during breaking news.
13. While primarily a dayside Monday-Friday position, must be willing to work longer hours and different days based on legislative sessions and breaking news.

Qualifications/Requirements:

1. Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or related field.
2. Ideally minimum of 2 years experience in on-air television news reporting.
3. Basic experience with newsroom computer systems is preferred (ENPS).
4. Understanding of and adherence to AP Style (for digital platforms) and broadcast writing (for television).
5. Responsible for maintaining assigned gear and driving a company vehicle.
6. Ability to operate a field camera, editing, and lighting equipment.
7. Proficient in TVU technology & other mobile news gathering, including the use of GoPros, TVU Anywhere App, editing and sending back video/packages from the field.
8. Ability to lift/carry equipment ranging from 35-50 lbs.
9. Must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
10. Ability to represent all stations professionally/responsibly in the community and newsroom, and on social media.
11. Must have a desire to win, the ability to reflect on your work and apply feedback.

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, type in the job title, station call letters, or click on "apply now", upload your resume, cover letter, and references.

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal).

KFYR-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company.

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Gray Media encourages all new employees to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus before the first workday.

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