County Politics & Business Reporter

Hearst•Midland, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Tell the Stories That Matter Most to Midland, Michigan. Your work can make a real difference at the Midland Daily News. In a smaller market, local journalism is personal. It’s about more than headlines — we are writing the first draft of history every day. Our mission is to help keep the community stay informed, feel connected, and understand the people and issues shaping our lives. At Hearst Newspapers, we’re looking for a curious, driven storyteller who wants to do meaningful work in a place where strong journalism truly matters. This is an opportunity to be at the center of a community’s conversations — covering breaking news, uncovering important stories, and building trust with the people you serve. If you’re energized by local reporting, excited to be part of a collaborative newsroom, and motivated by the idea of making a visible impact, we want to hear from you. The Midland Daily News is the 2024 Michigan Press Association Class C Newspaper of the Year. We cover stories in the Great Lakes Bay Region with a specific focus on Midland County. At the Daily News, we believe journalism is public service. We believe that journalism has the power to influence a community to become the best version of itself and must serve as a watchdog to make sure that any promises made are fulfilled honestly and equitably. We believe that in our community every person’s voice should be heard, and journalism, when done well, helps give a voice to those who otherwise would remain unheard without us. As a digital storyteller, you’ll cover the stories, people, and issues that matter most in our community. You’ll report on breaking news, attend meetings and events, build local sources, and develop enterprise stories that add depth and accountability. In a smaller market, this role is both important and highly visible. You won’t just be filing stories — you’ll be helping readers understand what’s happening around them and why it matters. You will monitor county politics and how decisions affect taxpayers. You will report on local businesses and the emerging issues that challenge them such as talent attraction, transportation, and retaining their workforce. This is a hands-on role for someone who is naturally curious, comfortable working in a fast-moving environment, and excited to be deeply connected to the community they cover.

Requirements

Reporting experience in a newsroom, publication, or relevant media setting
Strong writing, interviewing, and newsgathering skills
Good news judgment and the ability to work under deadline
Curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in local communities
A collaborative mindset and willingness to jump in where needed
The ability to work independently while still getting the job done
Comfort with digital storytelling and audience-focused journalism
You ask good questions.
You build trust.
You understand that local stories can have lasting impact.
Your reporting can inform residents, spotlight issues that deserve attention, and help people feel more connected to where they live.

Responsibilities

Cover the community with urgency and purpose
Report on breaking news, local developments, and key community issues
Attend meetings, events, and public forums to stay close to the story
Write quickly and clearly for digital and print platforms
Develop strong, meaningful local coverage
Build relationships with sources across the community
Identify stories that reflect the concerns, values, and character of the region
Produce enterprise stories that go beyond the daily headline, including strong visuals and vertical video
Help strengthen the local news report
Collaborate with editors, photographers, and other newsroom teammates
Contribute story ideas and bring energy to daily coverage planning
Use digital tools, social media, and audience insights to better reach readers