DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR - WSAW/WEAU

Gray Media, Inc.; Town of Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Gray Media seeks a driven, digitally savvy journalist and content creator for two Wisconsin sensor stations, serving WSAW and WEAU. This in‑person role centers on expanding digital reach and engaging local audiences across platforms.

You will produce original content, adapt it for TV, and drive daily social media strategies to grow viewership. You’ll create short-form videos, live streams, and beat coverage while collaborating with reporters and editors to maintain high journalistic standards

Qualifications

• College degree required in Marketing, Journalism, Communications or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with AP style.
• Experience in digital and social media content production is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create original digital content: shoot, write, and edit short-form videos and graphics for digital platforms.
• Develop daily content strategies for YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to drive engagement.
• Produce live streams and plan events with news managers for real‑time audience interaction.

Skills

AP Style

Video editing

Social media strategy

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communications

Tools

Photoshop

Canva

Video editing software

Job description

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full‑power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest-rated television station in average all‑day ratings across 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 46 markets and Gray Digital Media, a full‑service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WSAW/WEAU

WEAU and WSAW are Gray Media stations committed to connecting with the communities we serve. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the digital future of two established newsrooms simultaneously. You'll have the platform, the resources, and the creative latitude to build something meaningful — and the support of two experienced news teams behind you.

The in‑person position will be headquartered at WSAW in Wausau, Wisconsin, which is centrally located. Wausau is 1.5 hours from Eau Claire and Green Bay, a two‑hour drive to Madison, three hours from the Twin Cities, and four hours from Chicago.

WSAW/WZAW is the CBS and FOX affiliate for north central Wisconsin. WEAU is the NBC affiliate for western Wisconsin. Both newsrooms are award‑winning and community‑focused.

Job Summary / Description

WSAW and WEAU are looking for a driven, digitally savvy journalist and content creator to help us innovate and expand the digital reach of both newsrooms. This is a shared, digital‑first position serving the audiences of two of Wisconsin's most trusted local news stations — and it's built for someone who is passionate about creating content that engages audiences on all platforms.

You will function as both a producer and a multimedia journalist, creating content that informs, engages, and grows our audiences. You will produce original content for our digital platforms and social media first, then adapt it for our TV newscasts.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Create original content: Conceptualize, shoot, write, and edit compelling short‑form, vertical videos and graphic content specifically designed for WSAW and WEAU’s digital platforms, prioritizing our websites, news and weather apps, and streaming channels.
• Dominate social media: Develop and execute daily content strategies for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, turning local news into shareable, high‑impact (and dare we say, viral) stories. Engage authentically and respectfully with those audiences.
• Produce live streams: Identify opportunities with news managers, then plan and execute engaging live streaming events, from breaking news coverage to community spotlights, interacting with our audience in real‑time.
• Spot trends: Stay relentlessly curious about emerging digital trends and platform features, being the first to experiment and innovate with new ways to connect.
• Analyze and adapt: Dive into analytics to understand what resonates, using data to inform daily editorial decisions and your next big content idea. Regularly review performance metrics and work with news managers to adjust content strategies accordingly.
• Tell Central & Western Wisconsin's story: Discover and highlight unique local stories, voices, and events that truly matter to our communities, giving them a vibrant digital life.
• Develop a beat system and cultivate sources within the community to generate unique "Only On" stories — timely, impactful reporting that goes beyond the press release.
• Confirm and pursue incoming news tips via email, phone, and social media with strong critical thinking and research skills.
• Write AP-style news stories daily for digital platforms, including weau.com and wsaw.com; publish and update stories as new information develops throughout your shift.
• Plan and build special website sections and features that highlight coverage, link platforms, and encourage user engagement.
• Reformat and optimize news content produced by other team members for maximum reach and engagement across digital platforms.
• Coach and collaborate with reporting staff to maximize the digital presentation of their stories.
• Communicate effectively with producers to incorporate digital elements into newscasts.
• Present content on‑camera for delivery in newscasts, live streams, podcasts, and social media videos.
• Work with a sense of immediacy — both independently and as part of a team. That is our culture.
• Ensure factual, grammatical, and legal accuracy across all platforms, upholding the station's established journalistic standards and avoiding editorial bias.

Qualifications / Requirements

• College degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Previous experience in a professional newsroom environment is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate.
• Availability for weekend hours; willingness to work flexible shifts for breaking news, specialized coverage, or covering a colleague's PTO. This position includes Saturday and Sunday hours, and three weekdays.
• A genuine desire to win, the ability to reflect on your work, and a willingness to apply feedback.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with solid knowledge of AP Style and writing conversationally for Broadcast.
• Ability to edit video in digital formats.
• Proficiency with Photoshop or Canva or comparable software to create and edit graphics.
• Ability to work well under pressure and collaborate effectively with a diverse team.
• Strong understanding of journalistic principles and ethics.
• Ability to balance long- and short-term projects while consistently meeting daily deadlines.
• Proven record of digital and social media success; must maintain a responsible and professional social media presence.
• Strong research skills and the ability to employ critical thinking to dig beyond the press release and verify incoming tips.
• Ability to carry 35+ pounds of equipment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record (Motor Vehicle Records check required).

Additional Info

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with Gray’s employees' ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.