News Reporter

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, which publishes seven days a week, is seeking an energetic reporter with a passion for community journalism to cover news and write features.

We’d prefer a candidate with at least a year or two of daily or weekly reporting experience, but we will certainly consider recent college graduates looking to break into the business.

We are part of a growing newspaper chain of more than 100 small and mid-size dailies, as well as weekly papers, primarily in the midwest and south. As noted above, the Messenger-Inquirer is a 7-day-a-week publication, with print editions Tuesday-Saturday and an online e-edition on Sunday and Monday. Our circulation and coverage area extends across five counties, with the largest being Daviess County, which is home to our office in Owensboro. Owensboro is a growing and thriving community along the Ohio River. It’s two hours from Louisville and Nashville, and about three hours from St. Louis.

For now, we are looking for a general assignment reporter, but we do have a beat structure that includes business, city government, county government, education, entertainment, health and more. We'll work with you to identify your interests and direct you toward a beat that highlights your strengths.

All candidates must possess a college degree. Journalism preferred. Successful applicants must demonstrate good news judgment, professionalism, dedication to reporting at the community level; the ability to write accurate, clean copy using AP style that communicates effectively issues that affect our readers’ daily lives; and the ability to develop sources. The reporter must meet deadlines consistently while multitasking on multiple stories. Hours may vary day by day due to community events and meetings.

An excellent driving record is a must.

This position is full time with competitive pay and benefits. Salary is negotiable based on experience.

Email resume and writing samples to Executive Editor Matt Francis at mfrancis@messenger-inquirer.com and Features Editor Don Wilkins at dwilkins@messenger-inquirer.com.