Eastern Washington University is hiring: Digital Anchor/Reporter at KHQ/SWX in S

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Position Status: Hourly/ Non-Exempt

Position Pay: $26.45- $29.81 Per/hr.

About us:Nonstop Local KHQ is the Inland Northwest’s leader in local news, weather and sports coverage on television and digital platforms! Affiliated with the NBC network, KHQ is the flagship station of KHQ Incorporated and Cowles Montana Media.

Position Summary: A digital anchor/reporter for our family-owned company is expected to share in the same baseline job description. You will report to the News Director as well as other managers. Our operation is based on a story-centric workflow. That means we prioritize story treatment across a variety of platforms, from our linear broadcasts to our streaming services, as well as social media and our digital properties. Our anchors are "working"-- in other words, you are constantly searching for breaking news and contributing content that is relevant for the audience. The digital anchor/reporter position is specifically tailored to deliver news content to both digital and linear newscasts on a continual basis. You will be a steward of the company’s digital stream and ensure content is up to date, accurate and engaging. You should add your own reporting insights to copy and relentlessly fact-check the news before it is delivered. As a digital anchor/reporter, you must demonstrate a visually compelling technique along with commensurate video-editing abilities. More importantly, a digital anchor/reporter is a critical thinker possessing intellectual curiosity and a healthy skepticism towards conventional wisdom. You not only gather the facts, but you crave asking tough questions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The digital anchor/reporter must be able to flip content quickly and continuously onto both social and digital platforms. They will monitor breaking news at all levels of coverage from local to international; conduct compelling interviews; and creatively produce reports in a clear, imaginative manner.
• Serve as a representative of the station, presenting news in a conversational style from the studio.
• Digital Anchor/Reporters are required to execute deadline-driven content on any existing or future media platform NonStop Local supports.
• Breaking news is our bread and butter. Digital Anchor/Reporters are expected to guide and cover breaking news in a smooth, cohesive way as directed by the producer.
• Digital Anchor/Reporters are reflective of the communities we serve. We look for authentic personalities who can connect with the audience regardless of platform and influence their newsroom colleagues through leading by example with permission and insight from the News Director and news managers.
• Digital Anchor/Reporters must be capable of working in a self-directed environment; whether developing local contacts, enterprising stories, and reporting from their own franchise.
• Ensure any visuals shown are relevant, appropriate, and impactful.
• Maintain standards of accuracy and fairness in news coverage.
• Break down complicated and involved stories so they are accurate, interesting, and easy to understand.
• Complete assignments according to established deadlines.
• Maintain extensive community contacts and awareness of local and national current events.
• Work closely and respectfully with assigned staff.
• Communicate frequently throughout the day and work collaboratively with others in the newsroom.
• Get along and communicate with a variety of people in often extreme circumstances.
• This person must be social media savvy and utilize all platforms to gather information and generate audience attention.
• Make promotional and community appearances as required.
• Act in a professional manner when representing the station.
• Maintain appropriate and strict standards regarding wardrobe, hair, cosmetics, and other areas of grooming.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two years of on-air experience at a live commercial media outlet is preferred.
• Degree in Journalism, Communications, Media or related program preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong leadership skills.
• Availability for big breaking news coverage on unassigned shift.
• Smooth/pleasant delivery authentic to the viewers we serve.
• Strong writing skills and news judgment.
• Sharp producing and editing skills.
• Exemplary communication skills.
• Strong "in-the-field and live" skills.
• Must be knowledgeable of issues, newsmakers, and current events.
• Exceptional written communications skills using a conversational writing style.
• Strong editorial judgment and a proven ethical foundation.
• Ability to think quickly and respond to breaking news in high pressure situations and have strong organization and live reporting skills.
• An above-average, demonstrable knowledge of television newscast production techniques and television news writing is extremely helpful.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Office Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent tools (e.g., Google Workspace), including email and calendar management.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with web publishing platforms to manage and upload digital content.
• Video Editing: Knowledge of software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools.
• Social Media Management: Proficiency in platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and tools such as Hootsuite or Buffer.
• Broadcast-Specific Software: Knowledge of newsroom systems such as ENPS or iNews and teleprompter operations.
• Research Tools: Ability to use online research tools, databases, and search engines effectively.
• Live Streaming: Proficiency in live-streaming platforms and video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams.
• Data Analytics (Optional): Basic understanding of tools like Google Analytics to analyze audience trends.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Language Skills

• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to adjust tone and vocabulary for diverse audiences and platforms.
• Strong ad-libbing skills with a clear, engaging speaking voice.

Customer Service Skills

• Ability to engage authentically with viewers and build trust through effective communication.
• Strong conflict resolution and adaptability to audience preferences.
• Professionalism when representing the station at public events or online.

Reasoning Abilities

• Strong critical thinking skills to evaluate sources, analyze data, and make editorial decisions.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources for clear, logical reporting.
• Sound ethical reasoning to ensure fairness and adherence to journalistic standards.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, using your voice and sitting for extended periods eight (8) to ten (10) hours per day.
• Manual dexterity in operating equipment and computers.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Primarily indoors in a studio setting with occasional outdoor reporting in various weather conditions.
• Possible exposure to low or moderate noise levels both indoors and outdoors.

What we offer:

We are a family-owned and operated multi-business organization with a heart for the community we serve and our employees! We set you up for success by providing the necessary tools and training needed to succeed in your position. This includes:

• A friendly, supportive, and professional team atmosphere
• Competitive wages and benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching, Employee Assistance Programs, and so much more!
• We believe work/life balance is key to continued success. We offer Vacation days, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays, and more!

What Next?If you want to be part of our winning team and live & work in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, email your cover letter, resume, and link to your reel to: Stephanie Ashley, Director of Recruiting, at:Stephanie.ashley@NonStopLocal.com.

Don't forget:Complete your application atcomplete all required fields, and upload any supporting documents such as a resume, cover letter, references, and examples of work! At the end of your profile creation, simply pick the position(s) you would like to apply for and press "submit." It's that easy!

If you need assistance with creating or logging into your candidate profile, please email careers@cowlesco.com and an HR representative will respond as quickly as possible.

NonStop Local is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workplace.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

All candidates selected for hire will be required to submit a background check.

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