The News Item- News Reporter/Copy Editor
The News Item Shamokin Pa
Job Objective: Responsible for covering newsworthy events, as well as investigating, organizing and writing news reports and feature stories of general interest. This position would be second shift, Sunday-Thursday and would be responsible for getting the pages to our press plant by deadline each night. Occasional weekend assignments.
Essential Functions:
Accept and complete assignments from the Editor, Publisher or other newsroom supervisors, with an emphasis on clean, accurate, concise writing.
Maintain open communication with the editor(s) to give status reports on developing or ongoing stories, as well as notice of delays and/or difficulties.
Seek out new developments on your beat and/or areas of special interest. Contribute regularly in the generation of new story ideas that will distinguish us from local print, online and broadcast competitors relative to timeliness, creativity and depth of news coverage.
Take photos and suggest other graphic elements that may compliment your reporting or be of general interest on a stand-alone basis in the newspaper.
Be familiar with and adhere to the editorial policies, as well as the general code of ethics and principles of journalism, and work within these guidelines.
Work to deadlines established by management to meet production schedule.
Assist editors and other reporters as necessary, including but not limited to copy editing, caption and headline writing and page layout.
Be a visible, active and familiar face within your beat area in an effort to develop trusted sources and fresh story ideas.
Meet minimum expectation of producing 8-10 by-lined or enterprise stories per week, with a target of 12-15 per week, or an average target of 2-3 stories per publishing day. (Part-timers: minimum of 1-2 stories per shift; target of 2-3.)
Develop a general understanding of how other departments within our company (advertising, circulation and production) contribute to our overall success, with the news department as one of several key spokes in a wheel.
This job description covers the most significant portion of this position but does not exclude other work assignments that are in general conformity with other aspects of the position.
Direct Supervisor: Editor
FLSA Status: Hourly/Non Exempt
Minimum Qualifications:
At least 6 months of reporting or writing experience, or applicable educational training.
Have and maintain excellent written and oral communication skills.
Understand and practices the high standards of journalism profession and be aware of the legal and social issues that relate to the job.
In Design Experience
Educational Requirements: Writing-related field preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to key for a minimum of 4-6 hours per day with reasonable rest breaks.
Must be able to use a computer monitor for 4-6 hours per day with reasonable rest breaks.
Ability to read, write, and edit stories with reasonable accommodation.
Please reach out to amym@standard-journal.com
