Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter

Hearst•Winter Park, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter WESH 2/CW18, the Hearst-owned NBC affiliate in the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne DMA, is looking for a dynamic Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter to join our Nightside team. We need a strong visual storyteller with an engaging on-air presence who can do more than recite traffic drive times. This person will deliver the critical information viewers need to navigate the afternoon and evening commute during our 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts, then report on day-of news for our 10 PM and 11 PM newscasts.

Requirements

Professional or college experience as a journalist and storyteller
Strong on-air presence and excellent live reporting skills
Experience using traffic systems preferred
Must be comfortable reporting breaking traffic, breaking news, or other developing stories live from our news helicopter for extended periods of time
Must be a self-starter and able to ad-lib in breaking-news situations.
Must speak clearly and have basic knowledge of computers and social media platforms
Familiarity with local street and highway names and directions, or the ability to learn them quickly
Excellent writing, storytelling and packaging skills
Write clear, correct and compelling copy that supports the images gathered
Must be energetic, creative and work well with others
Must work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines
Ability to work in all weather conditions and carry up to 50 pounds
Valid driver’s license, ability to drive vehicles over long distances and a clear driving record
Ability to work varied shifts, including overnights and weekends
Ability to handle the stresses and pressures of time-sensitive newscast production
Two to four years of experience as a journalist and storyteller in a commercial television station preferred
Traffic reporting experience is a plus
Demo reel should be indicative of everyday work
Related military experience will be considered

Responsibilities

Prepare afternoon and evening traffic report with graphics
Provide clear and concise live traffic reports for our 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts
Research, gather, and report up-to-the-minute traffic conditions
Communicate important traffic information to producers and anchors promptly
Ensure corresponding graphics, video and live shots are used accurately and appropriately
Communicate afternoon and evening traffic information to viewers through digital platforms including our station website, mobile app, and social media pages
After the 6 PM newscast, work with a photojournalist to confirm story details and gather video and sound for reporter packages airing live in the 10 PM and 11 PM newscasts
Cover breaking news and produce live breaking-news updates at the direction of news management.
Establish strong relationships with law enforcement and other agencies to break traffic updates and news stories
Work with news managers and producers to develop stories that go beyond surface details and accentuate unique angles
Contribute pictures, video and text updates to digital and social platforms throughout the Nightside shift, including your own edited vertical video
Work on different stories and projects while meeting deadlines under pressure
Exhibit unwavering journalistic integrity and ethical standards
In-person attendance is required