The Charlotte Observer is seeking a visual journalist who loves to see a story come to life through their lens. Capturing unforgettable moments and chronicling the news on a variety of platforms using multimedia as a vehicle is where this journalist thrives.
The individual will be required to pitch, report and produce outstanding video journalism and long-term multimedia stories, as well as to aggressively search, aggregate and seek permission for digital video content from third-party sources around the web – in accordance with the news of the day.
This individual will also produce live content for our on-site player and social media channels. The journalist helps us to reach audiences where they are with entertaining, informative and compelling content on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, as well as on on-site and podcast platforms.
Multimedia journalists play a critical role, working closely with newsroom colleagues to tell the most important and timely video stories. Most importantly, we want to leverage your fresh ideas to enhance the Observer’s offering and help to further distinguish us in a crowded, competitive media market.
A strong work ethic, the ability to multitask, to quickly produce high-quality video and the aptitude to work across short- and long-term deadlines are required.
What you'll bring:
• Produce outstanding still photojournalism and video to accompany storytelling in online digital presentations and for print using DSLR camera equipment
• Generate ideas for daily video stories that appeal across local, regional and national online audiences, and assists with still photos as needed.
• Report, edit and produce compelling visual journalism on deadline
• Shoot live video on scene when warranted and transmit photos from the scene of breaking news and sporting events
• Aggressively curate and produce third-party video for placement within our stories and on social media
• Edit, produce and place video in related stories and social platforms
• Leverage digital tools and social media to find newsworthy videos to aggregate
• Produce live-stream content, which may include breaking news, public meetings or scheduled newsroom events
• Collaborate with editors/reporters to develop creative approaches to digital storytelling
• Write headlines, captions, summaries, social media posts and stories that are engaging and accurate
• Newsroom experience and/or internship(s), preferably in newspapers and/or digital media
Personal Attributes:
• Energy, flexibility, and online smarts
• Ability to work well with a variety of editors and staff at all levels within a digitally evolving local newsroom
• Aptitude for thinking big, working wisely, quickly and efficiently
Visual sensibility and experience contributing to interactive and multimedia work, with creative concepts and implementation
• Reliable news judgment, advanced communication skills needed • Ability to edit video using Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut ProX • Ability to use Adobe After Effects and Audition a plus
• An understanding of audience trends, SEO and digital media are important
• Ability to quickly edit video
Minimum Requirements:
• College degree preferred or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years digital journalism experience required
• Familiarity with DSLR and professional video cameras, capturing sound and video editing
• Strong video editing ability and storytelling a must
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license
To apply: Please include a resume, cover and samples of your work or a link to your online portfolio.