Digital-First General Assignment Reporter in Aberdeen

Colonial Group; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401K plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Aberdeen American News, part of Lee Enterprises, seeks a digital-first General Assignment Reporter to cover Aberdeen, SD, and contribute to statewide reporting. Breaking news and public safety will be central responsibilities, alongside local government, education and community life.

We’re looking for a resourceful journalist who can break stories, verify information, and deliver clear, engaging stories for print and digital formats while building trusted sources across the community.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong reporting, writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce accurate, clear work under tight deadlines.
• Sound news judgment and an understanding of journalism ethics, sourcing and verification.
• The initiative to develop sources, ask difficult questions and pursue stories beyond official statements.
• Ability to respond to breaking news and adapt coverage priorities as events unfold.
• Familiarity with digital publishing, social media and search optimization; experience using social platforms to identify and report stories is a plus.
• Experience with public records, public safety or courts reporting is a plus.
• Ability to produce photos and video; experience creating graphics for digital and social audiences is a plus.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn new tools and skills.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Lead breaking news and public safety coverage, responding quickly to significant incidents and providing accurate, timely updates as stories develop.
• Build and maintain sources among law enforcement, fire and emergency services, courts, local officials and community members.
• Cover crime and court proceedings with accuracy, fairness and context, clearly distinguishing allegations from established facts.
• Pursue public records and data to produce enterprise stories, accountability reporting and meaningful follow-ups to breaking news.
• Report on local government, education, community issues and other general assignment topics.
• Monitor developing news, community conversations and audience trends to identify consequential stories and emerging issues.
• Produce clear, engaging coverage through articles, photography, video, newsletters, social media and alternative story formats.
• Use audience metrics and search trends to inform story selection, strengthen headlines and help readers find our journalism.
• Balance urgent assignments with planned coverage, managing multiple deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with editors and colleagues on coverage plans, peer editing and new approaches to serving audiences, including useful evergreen content.

Skills

Strong reporting

Writing skills

News judgment

Digital publishing

Collaboration

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in journalism

Job description

Aberdeen American News, part of Lee Enterprises, seeks a digital-first General Assignment Reporter to cover Aberdeen, SD, and contribute to statewide reporting. Breaking news and public safety will be central responsibilities, alongside local government, education and community life.

We’re looking for a resourceful journalist who can break stories, verify information, and deliver clear, engaging stories for print and digital formats while building trusted sources across the community.