Staff Writer

Date Posted	April 29, 2026
Industry	Newspapers
Specialty	Local News
Required Education	Bachelor's Degree
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	Negotiable

Description:

The Smoky Mountain News is seeking a staff writer to help us report on a four-county coverage area that includes Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Smoky Mountain News is an independently owned regional newspaper located in Waynesville, NC, with a weekly print edition and a strong online presence.

While our reporters follow traditional beats that generate smaller weekly stories, we also prioritize longform stories, and it’s not abnormal for us to run a 5,000-word investigative or enterprise story every few weeks. Applicants who can follow a beat while working on more in-depth, long-term stories are preferred.

Western North Carolina boasts a tremendous quality of life with plenty of hiking, hunting, fishing, biking, paddling and skiing in every direction. While the region’s small towns teem with charm and have plenty to offer, Asheville — only a half hour from our main newsroom in Waynesville — is the cultural hub with plenty of dining options and breweries, as well as an eclectic music scene.

This is a full-time position with salary based on experience. Benefits include flexible work schedule, generous Paid Time Off, 401K, phone and mileage reimbursement. Interested candidates should send an email to info@smokymountainnews.com with their resume and three examples of their best work.