Local News Reporter - Flexible Hours, Digital-First

Forum Communications Company; Brainerd (MN); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision packages

Paid maternity and parental leave

Company-paid short-term disability and

life insurance

Critical illness coverage

Retirement benefits with company match

Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

Job summary

Forum Communications Company is seeking a Reporter for the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal in Pequot Lakes, MN. The role focuses on deeply researched, engaging stories for print and digital platforms, with an emphasis on timely content and audience engagement.

The ideal candidate has a journalism degree or equivalent experience, 3+ years writing for news outlets, strong AP style, and the ability to work under deadlines, interview sources, and collaborate with digital teams to grow readership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional reporting/writing experience.
• 3+ years of previous writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine, or specialty publication strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a solid grasp of AP style.
• Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred, and a strong commitment to journalistic integrity and ethics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with community members and business leaders alike.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify compelling story angles that resonate with local audiences.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and organize multiple assignments, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail using a Web-based content management system.
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as the news happens, including evenings and weekends as needed, based on coverage needs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by the company.
• Must carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

Responsibilities

• Research and craft compelling stories that adhere to editorial and AP style and format standards for publication across both print and digital platforms - following leads and responding quickly to breaking news.
• Find, research, and tell stories tailored to the editor’s needs and target audience.
• Stay up to date on the latest current events - local politics, public safety and education topics, community events, and more.
• Become an active part of the local and surrounding communities, developing sources and partnerships as a trusted source of information.
• Contact and interview sources, and research tips and leads.
• Displaying sound editorial judgements, including a thorough understanding and application of the law, relevant codes of practice, and ethical principles.
• Drive audience loyalty and digital growth through engaging and timely content, developing unique story ideas and content around key categories that drive digital memberships and reader engagement.
• Collaborate with digital teams and make use of available tools and technology to gain insight into story metrics, determining new ways to create and present content online.
• Embrace a creative, collaborative approach with other team members and with other FCC departments and locations.
• Contribute to the overall advancement of digital initiatives; share and promote digital content through various social media channels.
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong writing

AP style

Interpersonal skills

News judgment

Digital analytics

Flexible hours

Driving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism

Tools

CMS (Web-based)

Photo editing software

Job description

Forum Communications Company is seeking a Reporter for the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal in Pequot Lakes, MN. The role focuses on deeply researched, engaging stories for print and digital platforms, with an emphasis on timely content and audience engagement.

The ideal candidate has a journalism degree or equivalent experience, 3+ years writing for news outlets, strong AP style, and the ability to work under deadlines, interview sources, and collaborate with digital teams to grow readership.