Dynamic Local Reporter: Government & Enterprise Stories

Newsletter Jobs; Alton (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Child Care Reimbursement

Mental wellness benefits

Inclusive health services

Fertility coverage

Pet wellness reimbursement

Job summary

The Telegraph in Alton, Illinois, is seeking a General Assignment Reporter to pursue daily reporting, enterprise work, and accountability journalism focused on local government and business coverage. You will contribute to breaking news, quick-turn stories, and longer-term investigations in a collaborative newsroom.

We value strong news judgment, writing clarity, and initiative. A bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field is preferred, with experience and published work considered.

Qualifications

• Published portfolio of stories (student publications or professional outlets accepted).
• Ability to write with clarity, accuracy, and authority.
• Strong sense of what makes a compelling local story that resonates with readers.
• A self-starter eager to learn, pitch ideas, and pursue stories independently.
• Willingness to work with editors and peers in a fast-paced newsroom.

Responsibilities

• Report and Write: Cover key local issues with a focus on government, business, and community impact. Produce clear, engaging stories for digital and print platforms.
• Enterprise & Investigative Reporting: Develop deeper, context-rich stories that go beyond the news of the day to explain why issues matter and how they affect local readers.
• Breaking News: Jump on breaking news as needed, providing timely, accurate reporting and updates.
• Quick-Turn Meeting Coverage: Cover evening or nighttime public meetings periodically, filing clean, quick-turn stories on tight deadlines.
• Crime Coverage: Report on crime and public safety stories as needed, ensuring accuracy, context, and sensitivity.
• Digital Storytelling: Use photos, videos, live updates, and other digital tools to enhance coverage and engage audiences.
• Collaboration: Work closely with editors, writers, and other newsroom teams to produce impactful journalism.
• Audience Awareness: Monitor local and regional news, social media trends, and reader interests to identify strong story opportunities.

Skills

Portfolio

Writing skills

News judgment

Initiative

Collaboration

Digital publishing

Social media

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field

Job description

The Telegraph in Alton, Illinois, is seeking a General Assignment Reporter to pursue daily reporting, enterprise work, and accountability journalism focused on local government and business coverage. You will contribute to breaking news, quick-turn stories, and longer-term investigations in a collaborative newsroom.

We value strong news judgment, writing clarity, and initiative. A bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field is preferred, with experience and published work considered.