North Dakota Energy and Government Reporter

Forum Communications Company • Fargo, ND

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

Forum Communications Company is seeking a multimedia reporter to cover the oil and energy industry and its far-reaching impact on North Dakota. Ideally based in Bismarck, this reporter will produce timely, authoritative stories about one of the state’s most consequential industries while traveling as needed to the Bakken and communities across western North Dakota. The reporter will explore how energy development shapes the state’s economy, government, land, infrastructure, workforce and people. The position will also contribute general news coverage from Bismarck for the FCC network, with a focus on state government and legislative developments during active legislative sessions. This is a multimedia position serving Forum Communications audiences across digital, print and broadcast platforms. In addition to written reporting, the reporter will gather video and other visual content. The ideal candidate can translate complex subjects into clear, compelling journalism while building strong relationships with industry leaders, public officials, landowners, workers, tribal communities and local residents. Experience covering the energy industry or state government is valuable but not required. We are also interested in candidates who are curious, resourceful and eager to develop expertise in a complex and nationally important beat.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Previous reporting experience, preferably covering business, government, energy, agriculture, the environment or rural communities.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to balance daily reporting, breaking news and deeper enterprise work.
• Ability to explain technical, regulatory, legislative and financial topics in accessible language.
• Experience using public records and data in reporting.
• Strong interviewing, writing and storytelling skills.
• Experience producing video journalism or a willingness to develop skills in shooting, editing and reporting for digital and television audiences.
• Comfort appearing on camera and delivering live or recorded reports.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, regional newsroom.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout western North Dakota, sometimes on short notice.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Cover North Dakota’s oil and gas industry, including production, exploration, transportation, refining and emerging technologies.
• Travel regularly throughout western North Dakota to report from energy sites, communities, public meetings and breaking-news scenes.
• Monitor state and federal energy policy, regulation, taxation and legislation, explaining how decisions affect the industry and North Dakota residents.
• Contribute general Bismarck news coverage for Forum Communications audiences across the state and region.
• Provide additional coverage of the Legislature during legislative sessions, including significant bills, debates and decisions beyond the energy beat.
• Report on the economic impact of energy development, including state revenue, local government finances, employment, housing and business growth.
• Examine environmental and land-use issues such as water use, spills, emissions, reclamation, pipeline development and abandoned wells.
• Tell the stories of the people and communities affected by the energy industry, including workers, families, landowners, tribal nations and longtime western North Dakota residents.
• Cover breaking news involving industrial accidents, spills, regulatory actions and significant business or government developments.
• Develop enterprise and accountability reporting that goes beyond announcements and news releases.
• Use public records, data and other reporting tools to identify trends and hold companies and public institutions accountable.
• Build a diverse network of sources across industry, government, environmental organizations, academia, tribal nations and local communities.
• Produce journalism in multiple formats, including written stories, photography, social video and broadcast-quality video; may include appearing on camera when appropriate.
• Use audience data and community feedback to identify coverage opportunities and strengthen engagement.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level