Multi-Media Journalist

WLNS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Lansing, Michigan, seeks a bulldog.

We want someone who wants to find and break big stories and lead the newscast every day.

Sure, you can interview officials - but we want someone who can find great characters to help tell a story.

We want someone who works well independently, has good critical thinking skills, and who isn't content to sit and wait for a public information officer to call you back.

We want someone with superior writing skills, who can tell stories in a clear and compelling way, and who understands that way isn't always a straight package.

This job will either involve working as the morning show reporter or working weekends.

We are home to the state capital, a Big Ten university, and two General Motors plants. Because of that, we've got more news, sports, arts, and culture than markets much bigger than ours.

Include your resume and a link to your tape on your resume. If you don't do this, you won't be considered. No phone calls, snail mail, or DVDs.

Bonus points for a cover letter that tells us how you found and enterprised a story.

• Reports news stories for broadcast, describing the background and details of events
• Arranges interviews with people who can provide information about stories
• Reviews copy and corrects errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines
• Reviews and evaluates notes taken about event aspects to isolate pertinent facts and details
• Determines a story's emphasis, length and format, and organizes material accordingly
• Researches and analyzes background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information
• Gathers information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social or other functions
• Pitches stories to news managers and news producers which are relevant to the local community
• Receives assignments and evaluates leads and tips to develop story ideas
• Discusses issues with producers and/or news managers to establish priorities or positions
• Checks reference materials such as books, news files or public records to obtain relevant facts
• Revises work to meet editorial approval or to fit time requirements
• Shoots and edits news events and news reports
• Produces and presents reports for all platforms
• Ensures that all content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
• Writes stories for the web and other eMedia platforms
• Interacts with viewers/users on social media sites
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

Requirements & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
• Fluency in English
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required
• Minimum two years' experience in news reporting (Depending on market size)
• Superior on-air presence
• Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Flexibility to work any shift

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