Multimedia Journalist, KERO - Kern River Valley

KSHB / KMCI / The EW Scripps Company; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement plan with company match

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

KERO 23 ABC in Bakersfield, CA seeks a Multimedia Journalist to tell stories that matter to Kern River Valley communities. You will research, write, shoot, and edit daily news for multiple platforms, delivering truthful, compelling reports from the field.

Ideal candidates bring strong storytelling and on-camera presentation, comfort with independent work, and a drive to engage local audiences while meeting tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field preferred.
• Previous reporting, multimedia journalism, or newsroom experience required.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to travel throughout the coverage area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and pitch original story ideas relevant to Kern River Valley communities.
• Research, write, shoot, and edit daily news stories for multiple platforms.
• Deliver accurate, engaging live reports from the field.
• Cultivate sources and build relationships with community leaders and residents.
• Report on breaking news, public safety issues, weather impacts, and community events.
• Produce digital content, including videos, articles, and social updates.
• Collaborate with producers, editors, photographers, and newsroom leadership.
• Generate enterprising story content reflecting local audience needs and interests.
• Meet daily deadlines while upholding high journalistic standards.
• Represent KERO professionally at community events and public appearances.

Skills

Storytelling

Writing

On-camera presence

Video shooting

Video editing

Time management

Independent work

Community relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Communications or related field

Job description

At KERO 23 ABC, we believe every community deserves a journalist who knows its people, understands its challenges, and tells its stories with authenticity. As our Multimedia Journalist serving California’s Kern River Valley, you’ll be more than a reporter, you’ll be the trusted voice covering a region whose stories often go untold by larger markets. This role is designed for someone who thrives working independently, building relationships, and becoming part of the fabric of a close-knit community. Nestled around Lake Isabella and surrounded by some of California’s most stunning outdoor recreation, the Kern River Valley offers a unique lifestyle for journalists who value adventure, connection, and meaningful local storytelling. You’ll have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the issues, triumphs, and people that make this region special while ensuring local residents see their communities represented in the news every day.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Develop and pitch original story ideas that are relevant to Kern River Valley communities.
• Research, write, shoot, and edit daily news stories for multiple platforms.
• Deliver accurate, engaging live reports from the field.
• Cultivate sources and build strong relationships with community leaders and residents.
• Report on breaking news, public safety issues, weather impacts, and community events.
• Produce compelling digital content, including videos, articles, and social media updates.
• Work closely with producers, assignment editors, photographers, and newsroom leadership.
• Generate enterprising story content that reflects the needs and interests of local audiences.
• Meet daily deadlines while maintaining high journalistic standards.
• Represent KERO professionally at community events and public appearances.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Previous reporting, multimedia journalism, or newsroom experience required.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and the ability to travel throughout the coverage area.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• Strong storytelling, writing, and on-camera presentation skills.
• Ability to shoot and edit video content independently.
• Sound news judgment and a commitment to accuracy, fairness, and ethics.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• A passion for community-focused journalism and audience engagement.
• Confidence working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, and mobile journalism techniques.
• Ability to adapt quickly to breaking news situations and changing priorities.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as news coverage requires.
• Ability to safely lift and carry standard field reporting equipment and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

OUR TEAM:

The KERO 23 ABC newsroom is made up of dedicated journalists who care deeply about the communities they serve. We’re collaborative, innovative, and driven by a shared mission to deliver accurate, impactful local news. Our team brings diverse experiences, perspectives, and talents together to create meaningful journalism that informs, connects, and empowers viewers across Kern County and beyond.

WHERE YOU’LL LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY:

Nestled along the scenic Kern River and surrounded by mountains, lakes, and outdoor recreation, the Kern River Valley offers a unique lifestyle for adventurous storytellers. The area is known for its tight-knit communities, stunning natural beauty, and year-round opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and exploring the outdoors.

You’ll live and work in a region rich with local character and compelling stories, while remaining connected to the broader Bakersfield market. From community celebrations and small-town traditions to important issues affecting local residents, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through your reporting every day.

COMPENSATION RANGE:

Hourly: $25.97 - 26.00

Pursuant to state and local salary transparency laws, the salary range posted is specific to candidates who will perform this work in California.

WHAT WE OFFER (ADDITIONAL BENEFITS):

• A career path to grow your professional experiences
• Full medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Other key company benefits include disability accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life insurance, AD&D, ID protection, pet discount program, and employee assistance program. More details about timing and conditions of benefits eligibility and other plan terms and conditions will be provided upon hire.

SCRIPPS’ COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:

At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose.

ABOUT SCRIPPS:

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.