MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST (AM) - KCTV

Gray Media; Fairway (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

KCTV5 is seeking a Morning Multi-Media Journalist (MMJ) to connect with Kansas City viewers across broadcast, streaming, and mobile platforms. You will deliver energetic live reports in the early hours and develop audience-first digital content for our channels.

The role requires a player-coach mindset, strong storytelling, and the ability to shoot, write, and edit compelling packages for multiple outputs, including vertical formats. A passion for local coverage and community trust is essential.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of professional MMJ or live reporting in a commercial newsroom.
• Ability to deliver live field reports during a fast-paced morning block (4:30–9:00 a.m.).
• Experience creating audience-first vertical videos for social platforms.

Responsibilities

• Report live with urgency and clarity across the 4:30–9:00 a.m. morning newscasts.
• Provide live field updates for streaming and digital channels.
• Develop coverage for the noon show and create digital/vertical content.
• Engage with audiences and answer questions on digital platforms.
• Pitch original story ideas daily for local audiences.

Skills

MMJ reporting

Live reporting

Video storytelling

Tools

LiveU

Edius/Edits

Job description

About Gray Media

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 Gray Media

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 KCTV

KCTV5 is the CBS affiliate serving the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Job Summary/Description

KCTV5 is seeking a forward-thinking Morning Multi-Media Journalist (MMJ) who knows how to connect with Kansas City viewers wherever they start their day—on broadcast, streaming, or mobile platforms. This journalist will deliver energetic live reports throughout our 4:30–9:00 a.m. newscasts, provide live field updates for our streaming channel, develop focused coverage for our noon show, and create audience-first digital and vertical video content. If you are passionate about reach, engagement, community trust, and turning one story into multiple dynamic outputs, we want you on our team.

• Broadcast Impact: Report live with urgency, clarity, and personality across our 4:30–9:00 a.m. morning newscasts; write, shoot, and edit a compelling package or report tailored for the Noon broadcast.
• Streaming Coverage: Periodically join our continuous streaming channel live from the field to give viewers real-time updates, deeper context, and "what we know right now" coverage.
• Platform-First Storytelling: Craft vertical short-form explainers (Reels/TikTok/Shorts) and clear digital web stories that prioritize utility ("what this means to you"), community engagement, and verified facts.
• Audience Engagement & Trust: Foster two-way communication by monitoring morning comments, answering audience questions on digital channels, and clearly distinguishing between confirmed facts and developing details.
• Collaborative Daily Pitching: Pitch original, audience-focused story ideas daily that matter to local families, commuters, and workers starting their day across the Kansas City metro.
• Efficient Field Workflow: Shoot, write, and edit high-quality horizontal and vertical assets with reuse in mind, maximizing field time and newsroom collaboration.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Proven Experience: 2–5 years of professional reporting experience as an MMJ or live reporter in a commercial newsroom.
• Live Broadcast Presence: Demonstrated ability to deliver compelling, active, and unscripted live field reports across a fast-paced multi-hour morning block (4:30–9:00 a.m.) and turn a polished story for the midday/noon show.
• Platform Literacy & Mobile Video: Hands-on experience creating audience-first vertical videos (Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts) utilizing strong hooks, clear on-screen graphics/captions, and authentic mobile delivery (not just cutdowns of broadcast packages).
• Streaming Agility: Comfort jumping on camera for live, conversational streaming updates from the field, explaining breaking developments and answering "what's next" for digital viewers.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated skill operating field cameras, lighting, mobile gear, cellular transmitters (e.g., LiveU), and desktop/mobile editing software (e.g., Edius, Edits).
• Editorial Judgment & Trust: Uncompromising commitment to accuracy, AP style, sourcing, and transparency, with the ability to clearly label what is confirmed versus developing during fast-moving morning breaking news.
• Fantastic Newsroom Citizenship: Strong collaborative spirit, excellent communication with morning producers and digital desks, and a positive attitude during early-morning hours.
• Valid Driver's License: A clean driving record and willingness to work non-traditional early morning hours.

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal

KCTV-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of 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 in every location in which 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 the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.