Reporter

Hearst Communications•Big Rapids, MI

47d

About The Position

The Pioneer, a subsidiary of Hearst Newspapers, seeks a Reporter. You will collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, special sections and website. About the Pioneer The Pioneer is a 6-day a week newspaper covering Big Rapids, greater Mecosta County, Osceola County and parts of Lake and Newaygo Counties. With a focus on local news and people, the Pioneer is the leading newspaper in its region. The Pioneer has strong emphasis on community journalism with complete coverage of schools, government, courts and news of general interest. Complete local sports coverage is featured, as well as coverage of Ferris State University athletics. A wide variety of editorial opinion is offered on its editorial page from columnists as well as from the public in letters to the editor. Regular specialty pages include food, youth, religion, travel, business, entertainment, home and outdoor. The Pioneer has a strong classified section and is supported by area advertisers providing readers with advertising information as well.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field, or other degree and related experience.
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Knowledge and use of AP Style
Knowledge in maintaining and driving a digital-first thinking in the newsroom to being able to study and determine trends based on analytics.
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Ability to take photos for print and online use, as well as tone and prepare photos for publication. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Requires meeting strict deadlines
Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Photography skills a plus
Thinking Creatively

Responsibilities

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