Description:

Reporter – Community Journalism with Impact (Mason County, MI)

Not just a job — a chance to become the voice of a community.

Shoreline Media is seeking a full-time Reporter to join our award-winning newsroom team in Mason County, Michigan. We’re looking for journalists who are committed to covering community news, building relationships with readers, and making a long-term impact in the region.

This role is not remote. Reporters must live in or be willing to relocate to Mason County or the surrounding area.

About the Role

As a Shoreline Media reporter, you will:

• Cover local government, business, community events, and feature stories — with opportunities to contribute to sports reporting.

• Develop sources and engage directly with residents to uncover stories that matter.

• Work closely with editors and colleagues who prioritize ethical, accurate, and community-focused journalism.

• See your work published in respected local outlets, including the Ludington Daily News, Oceana’s Herald-Journal, the White Lake Beacon — and also in award-winning magazines and special sections.

This isn’t just covering events — it’s about shaping public conversations, holding institutions accountable, and telling stories that bring neighbors together.

Why Mason County?

This position is rooted in place-based journalism. Our reporters are part of the communities they cover. Mason County offers:

• A welcoming, close-knit community with a strong appetite for local news.

• Lake Michigan shoreline living — with beaches, sailing, hiking, and historic lighthouses.

• A vibrant arts scene, local festivals, and a balance of small-town charm with regional significance.

If you’re applying, we encourage you to research the area — understanding the community is essential to reporting here successfully.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary ($30,000–$35,000) with a comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement in a respected regional media company.

• A collaborative newsroom environment where fresh ideas and diverse perspectives are valued.

• A newsroom with a long history of recognition from the Michigan Press Association, reflecting our commitment to excellence in community journalism.

• Unlike many larger or corporate-owned outlets, this role offers direct access to decision-makers, visible community impact, and the chance to build a recognizable voice in the region.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in journalism — either as a recent graduate with strong clips and experience outside of college newspapers, or as a seasoned reporter ready for a new challenge.

• A curious mind, top-notch research skills, and the ability to discern the meat of the story.

• Common sense, excellent writing, interviewing, and storytelling skills, paired with sound news judgment.

• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to digital publishing tools.

• Familiarity with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and content management systems.

• Most importantly: a passion for community-based journalism and a commitment to living and working in the region you cover.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to lois@shorelinemedia.net:

• Resume

• Cover letter (explain why you want to live and report in this community)

• 3–5 clips or writing samples, or a link to your portfolio

Applicants outside the region should clearly describe their relocation plans in the cover letter.

Join Shoreline Media — where journalists are part of the story they tell.