Central Lakes Group in Forum Communications is hiring a full-time general-assignment reporter to produce content on a variety of topics in the coverage areas of the West Central Tribune of Willmar and the Alexandria Echo Press in west central Minnesota. This position will work in various storytelling formats, including digital, print, audio and video.
Responsibilities include:
- Create original news content for West Central Tribune and Alexandria Echo Press, with an emphasis on education in the Willmar market and general news and features in the Alexandria market.
- Create daily digital content — a combination of original content (stories, briefs, videos, etc.) and curation of local, relevant content and information for digital and social media audiences.
- Report live (Facebook Live, live blogging, etc.) as news and events warrant a more immediate coverage approach.
- Drive audience loyalty and digital growth through engaging and timely content.
- Respond with urgency to breaking news, which includes writing stories and producing visuals on deadline with a digital audience in mind.
- Collaborate with digital teams and make use of available tools and technology to gain insight into story metrics, determine new ways to create and present content online.
- Embrace a creative, collaborative approach with other team members and with other Forum Communications Co. departments and locations.
- Contribute to the overall advancement of digital initiatives; share and promote digital content through various social media channels.
- Incorporate multimedia aspects such as video, audio and photography in all stories.
- Brainstorm digital storytelling formats and execute the technological components required.
- Other duties and projects as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in journalism, English or communications and experience in a professional newsroom is preferred. Exceptional recent graduates will be considered.
- Strong command of grammar and punctuation.
- Strong organizational, time management and people skills are essential.
- Photography skills and ability to shoot video or willingness to learn.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
- A strong sense of purpose and urgency for the news.
- Ability to work quickly and accurately using a web-based content management system.
- Experience using digital analytics and social media tools is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of video and photo editing is preferred.
- Must have a valid driver’s license with a driving record that is insurable by the company.
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