Sports Reporter

Forum Communications Company • Wahpeton, ND

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wahpeton Daily News and Richland County News-Monitor are seeking a Sports Reporter to join their team. This role is responsible for news gathering efforts within the sports department, focusing on building a loyal and engaged audience across various publishing platforms. The position is based in Wahpeton, ND, a community offering a high quality of life with a low cost of living and access to outdoor recreation. The Wahpeton Daily News and Richland County News-Monitor are part of Forum Communications Company, a family-owned media organization with a significant reach across the Upper Midwest.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Mass Communications preferred, or equivalent reporting/writing experience.
• Previous writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine, or specialty publication preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a solid grasp of AP style.
• Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred, with the ability to capture and select compelling visuals.
• Demonstrated passion for sports, with a deep knowledge of high school, college, and regional athletics.
• Understanding of the important role sports play in local communities, including their impact on school spirit, identity, and community connection.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with coaches, athletes, and other community members.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify compelling story angles that resonate with local audiences.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and organize multiple assignments, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed, based on sports schedules and coverage needs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by the company.
• Must carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

Nice To Haves

• Photography and basic photo editing experience
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools

Responsibilities

• Research, report, and write compelling stories on assigned teams, games, athletes, and sports-related topics.
• Provide consistent coverage of high school and college athletics, including game recaps, previews, and feature stories.
• Generate original story ideas that drive audience engagement, digital subscriptions, and readership growth.
• Determine story angles, conduct interviews, and produce accurate, timely content aligned with editorial standards for both print and digital platforms.
• Respond quickly to breaking news by gathering information, writing stories, and producing photos or multimedia content under tight deadlines.
• Publish content efficiently and accurately using digital content management systems and website platforms.
• Create engaging multimedia elements (photos, videos, social posts) to enhance storytelling and expand digital reach.
• Promote content across social media channels to increase visibility, audience interaction, and brand loyalty.
• Collaborate with editors, photographers, and others across departments and locations to produce high-quality, cohesive coverage.
• Contribute to broader sports and outdoors coverage as needed, adapting to seasonal and regional priorities.
• Maintain strong news judgment and uphold journalistic integrity, accuracy, and AP style standards.
• Build relationships with coaches, athletes, and community members to support ongoing coverage and source development.
• Monitor sports trends, analytics, and audience insights to inform content strategy and improve performance.
• Support and contribute to ongoing digital initiatives aimed at growing audience engagement and subscriptions.
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree