Ballantine Communications seeks a reporter

Ballantine Communications has an opening for a reporter to help cover Cortez and Montezuma County for The Journal. Stories can range from an economic development project involving solar energy to an unusual murder case.

Recent college graduates — ideally those with an online-first background, plus experience covering public safety, breaking news and/or feature writing for a college newspaper or internship — are highly encouraged to apply. Photography and/or videography experience is also helpful.

Please email five (5) samples of your work, including at least one breaking news story, at least one feature story and either a JPEG photo or video portfolio, to Senior Editor Trent Stephens at tstephens@the-journal.com.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Grow audiences by delivering well-written content;
• Perform research on different topics;
• Analyze and interpret findings by breaking down data;
• Beat reporting: deliver a wide range of work that covers all aspects: daily stories, profiles, news features, exclusive news and watchdog reports;
• Uncover newsworthy stories/breaking news;
• Interview key people (witnesses, sources etc.);
• Write content with readers needs in mind;
• Ensure your pieces are accurate and objective;
• Establish contacts and sources to use in future research;
• Maintain notes in written or electronic form;
• Contribute to content idea generation for publication;
• Stay up-to-date with local, national and international affairs;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Previous journalism experience is preferred, but recent college graduates will be considered. Please include five (5) samples of your work.
• Ability to meet deadlines;
• Multimedia/social media knowledge and experience.
• Knowledge of photography when staff photographer is not available.
• Broadly applied software including Google products, and photography skills (video skills preferred but not required).
• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Pay:  $37,000 – $45,000 annually depending on experience 

For further information click here.