Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter

Hearst•Winter Park, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

WESH 2/CW18, a Hearst-owned NBC affiliate serving the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne DMA, is seeking a dynamic Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter. The role calls for a strong visual storyteller with an engaging on-air presence who can deliver useful, timely traffic information and report day-of news. The position prepares and presents traffic coverage during the 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM newscasts, then reports stories for the 10 PM and 11 PM newscasts. The employee reports to the Nightside Executive Producer and is required to attend in person. The role also involves breaking-news coverage, digital and social content, collaboration with photojournalists and newsroom colleagues, and building relationships with law enforcement and other agencies. The position requires working varied shifts, including overnights and weekends, and working in all weather conditions.

Requirements

Professional or college experience as a journalist and storyteller.
Strong on-air presence and excellent live reporting skills.
Comfort reporting breaking traffic, breaking news, or other developing stories live from the news helicopter for extended periods.
Self-starter who can ad-lib in breaking-news situations.
Clear speaking skills and 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.
Ability to write clear, correct, compelling copy that supports gathered images.
Energetic, creative, and able to work well with others.
Ability to 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.
In-person attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience using traffic systems.
Two to four years of experience as a journalist and storyteller in a commercial television station.
Traffic reporting experience.
A demo reel indicative of everyday work.
Related military experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Prepare afternoon and evening traffic reports with graphics.
Provide clear and concise live traffic reports for the 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM newscasts.
Research, gather, and report up-to-the-minute traffic conditions.
Promptly communicate important traffic information to producers and anchors.
Ensure corresponding graphics, video, and live shots are used accurately and appropriately.
Share afternoon and evening traffic information through the 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.
Build strong relationships with law enforcement and other agencies to obtain traffic updates and develop news stories.
Work with news managers and producers to develop stories with depth and distinctive angles.
Contribute pictures, video, and text updates to digital and social platforms throughout the Nightside shift, including edited vertical video.
Work on multiple stories and projects while meeting deadlines under pressure.
Maintain journalistic integrity and ethical standards.