Digital Reporter

WSYR-TV and LocalSYR.com, Syracuse has an immediate opening for a Digital Reporter specializing in news. The digital reporter should be a skilled writer who can craft headlines and content that provide value to the audience and drive user engagement. The reporter will use analytics data to make decisions about audience interest trends. The reporter will be able to reach out to contacts, source the web and find information on social media to build stories that will be high performing across multiple websites. While the reporter will largely work from a single space, the ability to take photos and create video is a plus. A strong knowledge of social media platforms is expected.

Position Responsibilities

Report news quickly and accurately
Be able to craft original content that stands out from the competition
Find ways to share reporting responsibilities across markets and topics as needed
Understand types of stories that drive traffic on the web
Work with management to deliver a content mix that reflects the needs of our audience
Develop expertise and sources in key audience interest areas
Shoot photos and video as needed to tell stories in multiple ways
Create eye-catching and clear and easy to understand graphic for use on the website and/or social media platforms.
Utilize social media to increase engagement and boost traffic back to the website

Skill/ Experience Requirements

Knowledge of AP style
Enjoys working in teams and is a strong communicator
Ability to quickly learn new things and adapt to change
Thrives under pressure and able to meet deadlines
Self-motivated and competitive
Comfortable setting up and executing interviews with local sources
Ability to be fast, first and accurate at breaking news on the web
Able to deliver multiple stories for the web each day on a wide range of topics
Familiar with contact information for various agencies to obtain information as quickly as possible.
Understand how to utilize social media channels to drive traffic
Some schedule flexibility (nights, weekends)
Regularly meets measurements of success or KPIs such as pageviews and users
Proficiency in MS Office a must; Familiarity with programs like WordPress, Photoshop and Canva a plus
Compensation is $16.25 per hour

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

Typical day

This reporter will spend time at the start of the shift reviewing story ideas and looking over their own sources for ideas. After coordinating with digital leadership for a list of expected daily stories, the reporter will begin writing and communicating updates. Social media updates, videos and monitoring of breaking news should be incorporated seamlessly into the shift.

Measurements of success

Deliver stories quickly, accurately, and often
Provide a central role in story idea discovery and generation for the local and regional team
Consistently seek to grow audience to your bylined stories
Grow the social media base of the station and regularly promote links to stories