Freelance Hyperlocal Multimedia Journalist

Optimum Communications Inc.; Bethpage (NY); On-site; USD 58,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

News 12 is seeking a self-starting Freelance Multimedia Journalist to generate story ideas, develop sources, pursue leads, and present stories for all platforms including social media. The ideal candidate should shoot, write, and edit, and be comfortable operating camera and editing gear.

The role requires knowledge of local and national current events, strong news writing, and the ability to work independently in a one-person band, with flexibility for shifts including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Communications preferred, Master's degree is a plus
• One year full-time professional news reporting experience, preferred
• Ability to work independently in a one-person band, backpack, multimedia environment
• Ability to edit on non-linear systems i.e., Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere
• Knowledge of local and national current events, newsmakers, and issues
• Knowledge of libel laws and ethical foundations of journalism
• Excellent news writing ability for all platforms including social media
• Proficiency in writing web/digital copy for all stories
• Proficiency in current and emerging newsgathering and production technologies
• Ability to think quickly and respond appropriately in high pressure situations
• Ability to create work that is unique, imaginative, and original
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in good standing within the state of current residence.
• Ability to lift, carry and maneuver up to 40lbs
• Ability to work inside a climate-controlled office/studio environment and outside in all weather conditions including extremes in hot and cold temperature, wet or humid conditions
• Flexibility to work any assigned shift with ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays; or longer shifts due to breaking news

Responsibilities

• Generate story ideas, develop sources, maintain contacts, pursue leads, produce and present stories and other content for all platforms including social media.
• Shoot, write and edit clearly and creatively.
• Operate assigned camera and editing gear.
• Gather information, video content, interviews, and other elements necessary to produce thorough, high-quality news reports.
• Maintain a deep level of familiarity with hyper-local news events in order to generate original stories.
• Represent News 12 positively in the community in a courteous and professional manner.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
• Respond to breaking news and other urgent newsroom situations as required.
• Write web/digital copy for all stories.

Skills

Journalism

On-location reporting

Video editing

Final Cut Pro

Adobe Premiere

News writing

Interviews

Social media content

Research

Story pitching

Timeliness

Driver’s license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Communications

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

Final Cut Pro

Adobe Premiere

Job description

News 12 is seeking a self-starting Freelance Multimedia Journalist to generate story ideas, develop sources, pursue leads, and present stories for all platforms including social media. The ideal candidate should shoot, write, and edit, and be comfortable operating camera and editing gear.

The role requires knowledge of local and national current events, strong news writing, and the ability to work independently in a one-person band, with flexibility for shifts including nights and weekends.