Reporter

Hearst•Alton, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an energetic, versatile General Assignment Reporter to join our newsroom. The ideal candidate is eager to pursue a mix of daily reporting, enterprise work, and accountability journalism. This role will focus on local government and business coverage, while also contributing to breaking news, quick-turn stories, and longer-term investigative pieces. The person in this position should have strong news judgment, an ability to spot compelling stories, and a desire to learn and grow in a collaborative newsroom.

Requirements

A portfolio of published stories (student publications or professional outlets accepted).
Ability to write with clarity, accuracy, and authority.
Strong sense of what makes a compelling local story that resonates with readers.
A self-starter eager to learn, pitch ideas, and pursue stories independently.
Willingness to work with editors and peers in a fast-paced, evolving newsroom.
Familiarity with digital publishing, multimedia tools, and social media is a plus.
Must be based in the region or willing to relocate.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field preferred, but equivalent experience and published work will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Cover key local issues with a focus on government, business, and community impact. Produce clear, engaging stories for digital and print platforms.
Develop deeper, context-rich stories that go beyond the news of the day to explain why issues matter and how they affect local readers.
Jump on breaking news as needed, providing timely, accurate reporting and updates.
Cover evening or nighttime public meetings periodically, filing clean, quick-turn stories on tight deadlines.
Report on crime and public safety stories as needed, ensuring accuracy, context, and sensitivity.
Use photos, videos, live updates, and other digital tools to enhance coverage and engage audiences.
Work closely with editors, writers, and other newsroom teams to produce impactful journalism.
Monitor local and regional news, social media trends, and reader interests to identify strong story opportunities.