Reporter/MMJ

North Alabama's news leader, News 19, seeks a Multimedia Journalist to join our news team in our Florence Bureau. The Multimedia Journalist will produce, report, shoot, write, voice, edit, feed, and present content for all media platforms in a manner that is clear, engaging, and meaningful to news consumers.

News 19 is a duopoly, WHNT & WHDF. WHNT is a legacy station and a dominant Nexstar CBS television affiliate. WHDF is the CW affiliate serving North Alabama and parts of southern Tennessee. Combined, the stations produce 50.5 hours of live news a week and contribute to News 19’s digital sites.

WHNT is a legacy station serving the viewing area since 1963. It is the only TV station located in the heart of downtown Huntsville, which is bursting at the seams with amazing growth in the area. After Census 2020, Huntsville was placed as the largest city population wise in Alabama. The cost of living is one of the lowest in the Southeast, with a backdrop of beautiful mountains, rivers and lakes in the Tennessee Valley.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Research/gather/analyze information, interviews, and video to produce accurate, complete, in-depth, relevant, and fair news reports for publication and broadcast
Ensure that all content produced meets company standards for journalistic integrity, timeliness, and production quality
Author strong copy with correct grammar, punctuation, editorial style, and formatting to meet the requirements of each digital, social, and on-air distribution platform
Quickly solidify presence on all key beats and develop strong professional relationships with reliable sources
Daily, pitch & break exclusive, enterprise news stories online, on social media channels, and on-air
Produce/shoot/edit video and audio content of varying lengths/formats to meet the requirements of each digital, social, and on-air distribution platform
Update and maintain online and social media presence to connect and converse with audience and generate story leads and content
Use social media to research stories and reach out to story subjects for possible on camera interviews
Report live online, on social media channels, and on-air
Cooperate and communicate clearly, directly, and regularly with news teammates and other station departments, working as a good newsroom citizen
Serve as an ambassador to the community by representing the station at community events and activities
Produce special projects and other duties as assigned

Required & Preferred Capabilities:

Strong news judgment and high journalistic integrity
Low-to-zero call/approach reluctance --- ability to confidently engage with viewers, officials, those affected by stories, and others to cultivate story leads and information
Fluency in English
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required
Professional savvy and collegial demeanor when interacting with colleagues and members of the public
Superior on-camera presence and confidence
Work well under pressure --- ability to handle breaking news and last-minute changes with aplomb
Strong, candid knowledge of self & capabilities and display the willingness and ability to take action to learn, improve, and grow
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, or a related or complimentary field of study; or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience --- two-years of professional journalism experience preferred
Flexibility to work any shift

Technical Skills:

Mastery of AP writing style to author digital, social, and on-air content
Confident and capable videographer who is able to gather compelling visuals, strong natural sound, and solid interviews with field video gear to produce visual storytelling
Strong non-linear video editing skills required --- familiarity with Adobe Premiere video editing software preferred
Ability to operate field live transmission unit essential --- TVU experience preferred
Familiarity with ENPS rundown and story management system preferred
Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment
Valid driver’s license required for hire. A clean driving record is required and must be maintained to be able to safely & confidently operate company motor vehicles