Chief Political Reporter
Gray Television is a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households.
We constantly strive for excellence. Through upgrading to the latest technology and seeking new ways to stay on top in our markets, we focus on training and development of the best and brightest employees in the business.
About WMTV:
WMTV is the dominant NBC affiliate, serving southwestern & central Wisconsin. We are an award-winning news operation—most recently receiving multiple Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards (including overall excellence in 2022), Regional Emmy Awards, and dozens of nods from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (including three straight years as News Operation of the Year). We work hard and take pride in getting it right. Madison is regularly ranked one of the best places to live in America. We are just 1.5 hours from Milwaukee, 2.5 hours from Chicago and 5 hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul.
To learn what it’s like to work for WMTV, watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7KugIlmEWI
Job Summary/Description:
The Wisconsin State Capitol Bureau Chief will be based in Madison at the State Capitol and WMTV offices. Your work will be distributed across Gray through the facilities of WMTV, which also provides newsroom leadership and support for this position. This is a new position, so we are looking for a self-starter and someone with a proven track record covering state politics and a proven track record of developing relationships with lawmakers and key staff. We are looking for a journalist who can dive into the data and tell impactful stories that hold elected officials and state agencies accountable. This journalist must have the ability to show how these stories impact our viewers. Coverage will be on-air, live or taped, and on digital platforms.
This political reporter will serve five Gray Media, LLC, stations with Wisconsin counties in their DMA. Those stations include WMTV in Madison, WEAU in Eau Claire, WSAW in Wausau, WBAY in Green Bay, and KBJR in Duluth, Minnesota.
NOTE: This position is located at the WMTV studios in Madison, WI
Duties/Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
Works with news directors and assignment desks to determine, plan and staff all important stories of state-wide politics
Collaborates with all stations daily to communicate coverage plans and newscast goals
Must be able to develop and maintain a network of sources and experts at all state agencies and with all political parties
Must have ability, during election years, to travel throughout the state with candidates for races selected in collaboration with the supervising news director
Understand open records and FOIA laws and the ability to file regular requests (at least weekly), as well as manage and oversee them
Must have strong research skills, be organized and well-versed in keeping track of legislation, and quickly be able to summarize and explain it to viewers in a conversational manner
Be able to enterprise daily story ideas with statewide interest even when lawmakers aren't in session
Must have ability to be a digital-first MMJ. Be able to stream news conferences for all involved stations, report on breaking news, and quickly turn web and social stories daily
Must have excellent news judgment and journalism ethics
Must have strong writing, storytelling, and reporting skills
Must have ability to shoot and edit your own stories and ability to go live
Excellent live reporting skills required, ability to ad-lib during breaking news
While primarily a dayside Monday-Friday position must be willing to work longer hours and different days based on legislative sessions and breaking news
Qualifications/Requirements:
Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or related field
Minimum of 2 years experience in on-air television news reporting, including in-depth long-form reporting, investigations, and/or political reporting
Basic experience with newsroom computer systems is preferred (ENPS)
Understanding of and adherence to AP Style (for digital platforms) and broadcast writing (for television).
Responsible for maintaining assigned gear and driving a company vehicle
Ability to operate a field camera, editing, and lighting equipment
Proficient in TVU technology & other mobile news gathering, including the use of GoPros, TVU Anywhere App, editing and sending back video/packages from the field
Ability to lift/carry equipment ranging from 35-50 lbs.
Must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record
Ability to represent all stations professionally/responsibly in the community and newsroom, and on social media
Must have a desire to win, the ability to reflect on your work and apply feedback