General Assignment Reporter

Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION

Local news is what’s sorely lacking in America today, and we are here to cover it. If you’re looking for a gig that gives you the glory of covering the state house, or lands you on the national headlines then keep on moving. This isn’t the job for you, and with all due respect we don’t want you. But if you’re looking to put in the work of covering local government from the board of supervisors to healthcare districts from the lens of a rural Tulare County community, then you’re in the right place.

This isn’t your grandpa’s newsroom where the building is bursting at the seams with wanting reporters. Instead, this is the local news team investigating their own stories, taking their own photos, and pitching weekly in depth enterprise stories. It is a difficult but fulfilling grind for a passionate reporter wanting to make an impact in rural a California community.

EXPECTATIONS

It is expected that this person be a team player and always willing to learn. Skeleton crew newsrooms leave no place for lazy reporters hide, so be ready to come to work every day, write at least 1 story per day, and become a part of the community in any way they can. Other expectations are as follows:

· Must have a command of journalistic style of writing;

 Must be able to meet deadlines and show up for appointments on time;

· Must be comfortable interviewing citizens, public officials, state legislators, coaches, etc.;

· Must be willing to learn/expand on knowledge of news and photography;

· Must be conscientious about communicating with the editor when stories fall through;

· Must be willing to pitch stories at editorial meetings and give feedback or a different point of view on other stories discussed during the meeting;

· Must be willing to work the occasional late night at a sports event or public meeting;

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A bachelors degree in journalism is required. However, a degree in a related field will be considered. Preferred experience is as follows:

· Preferred experience with Adobe Suite programs InDesign and Photoshop;

· Preferred experience with Canon camera products;

· Preferred experience with public records request and research.

STARTING SALARY: $36,000/year

ABOUT US

The Sun-Gazette is an independently owned weekly newspaper with a daily online presence in California’s San Joaquin Valley, but specifically in Tulare County. The newspaper covers all pertinent topics, focusing mostly on the various governmental entities throughout Tulare County. We publish every Wednesday in print and Monday through Friday online. In addition to the weekly paper editor Paul Myers and publisher Reggie Ellis also produce a weekly podcast titled The Paper Trail Podcast.

The Sun-Gazette team is currently made up of a publisher, editor, an assistant editor, a general assignment reporter, a sports reporter, receptionist, delivery driver and two circulation employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $36,000.00 per year

SUBMIT RESUMES

Resumes should be submitted to Executive Editor Paul Myers at prmyers@thesungazette.com with a CC to Publisher Reggie Ellis at rellis@thesungazette.com.