REPORTER EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, receives assignments and/or evaluates leads and tips to develop story ideas; gathers, organizes and verifies factual information; writes clear and accurate news and feature stories using computer; may monitor police, fire or other communications systems to obtain story leads, may take photographs and/or videos to illustrate story; may rewrite stories, take dictation from reporter in the field, edit or assist in editing other stories; performs other duties as assigned. Good attendance is required. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: ● Receives assignments and/or evaluates leads and tips to develop story idea – within established policies, prescribed procedures and specified editorial emphasis. ● Gathers, organizes and verifies factual information – regarding story through interview and observation; obtains supplemental material and/or additional details from files, reference libraries and interviews with knowledgeable sources. Reviews and evaluates written or recorded material according to determined emphasis and verifies accuracy of questionable data. ● Writes clear and accurate story using personal computer – in accordance with specified length, prescribed editorial style and standard format. May discuss story length and format with appropriate editor. ● May monitor police, fire, or other communications systems to obtain story leads. ● May take photographs and/or videos to illustrate story. ● May rewrite stories, take dictation from reporters in the field, edit or assist in editing other stories. Good attendance is required. Performs other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: ● Knowledge of journalistic techniques and procedures ● Knowledge of computer operations ● Knowledge of and ability to use correct college-level grammar, spelling and math skills ● Knowledge of freedom of information and libel laws ● Skill in interviewing, observing and organizing work elements ● Skill in use of written and oral communications ● Ability to perform essential work tasks under deadline-driven, stressful situations ● Ability to identify and/or create story ideas and follow through ● Ability to work independently with only general supervision ● Ability to get along and interact with news sources, other contacts, the general public, co-workers, and supervisors ● Ability to traverse all types of terrain and to perform essential work tasks outside in all weather
● conditions ● Ability to drive at night and in all weather conditions to attend meetings and other news events MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A degree in journalism from an accredited college. Five (5) years of experience, preferably on a daily newspaper, may be substituted in lieu of a college degree. TRANSPORTATION: ● Must possess or be able to obtain a VALID driver’s license ● Driving record must meet the requirements set in the “Personal Vehicles Used for Company Business” policy. Must have and provide own reliable transportation. Must provide proof of insurance with Faughn Media listed as an Additional Interested Party. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ● Lifting up to 25 pounds, from a level of 0 inches to a level of 36 inches ● Sitting up to 8 hours per day ● Walking up to 4 hours per day on a variety of surfaces ● Standing up to 12 hours per day on a variety of surfaces ● Carrying up to 25 pounds ● Pushing/Pulling up to 25 pounds ● Twisting, kneeling and bending movements are required ● Finger and wrist dexterity are required ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: ● Position is routinely exposed to a variety of weather conditions. ● Position is routinely exposed to bright lights and/or glare (computer). ● Position is not routinely exposed to hazardous chemicals. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION: ● Must have home telephone or capability of being reached at all times. ● This position routinely reports to the supervising editor. NOTE: THIS LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR THIS POSITION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY.