MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST (W/END) - WTAP

Gray Local Media, Inc; Parkersburg (WV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

WTAP-TV/Gray Media is seeking a full-time Weekend Multi-Media Journalist to cover news across Parkersburg, WV and the Mid-Ohio Valley, including Marietta, OH. The successful candidate will shoot, write, and edit stories for daily newscasts and our digital platforms.

Ideal applicants will have strong verbal and written communication, ability to meet deadlines, and solid news judgment. Weekend and holiday availability is required to deliver compelling local reporting with initiative and a positive

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong professional social media skills.
• Valid driver's license and a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Write, shoot, and edit stories for daily newscasts, website, and social platforms.
• Generate story ideas and build local contacts.
• Contribute story ideas in daily meetings.
• Demonstrate sound news judgment when selecting stories.
• Operate LIVE shots using a TVU.
• Work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Gather information through research, interviews, and event attendance.
• Follow up on tips that lead to stories.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excellent communication

Live reporting

Story ideation

Social media savvy

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Tools

TVU live shots

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 such markets measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 47 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 WTAP:

WTAP is THE main voice in the Mid-Ohio Valley. We may be among the smallest TV stations in America, but we are also one of the most dynamic. With state-of-the-art technology, a terrific on-air look, and a dynamic digital presence. You'll be proud of the work you'll do here. And you'll grow quickly because there is so much opportunity! You'll get to explore whatever you want to do in the communications field, whether it's on-camera, behind-the-scenes, or in sales. WTAP is involved in the communities we cover. From covering high school sports, to participating in local events, to helping small businesses grow and thrive through commercials and mobile products, WTAP does it all. And we do it all - together. The Mid-Ohio Valley includes the communities of Parkersburg, WV, and Marietta, OH, and the 50-mile area surrounding them. It's the kind of place where you can walk down the street and say "hi" to people, and they'll say "hi" right back at you! It's the kind of place where local news-people become like family to the viewers and online readers they serve and communicate with. There are wonderful parks, great hiking and biking areas, high-quality restaurants, and shopping - whether you like a mall or the uniqueness of small stores on Main Street. Our area is big on heritage, and the many fairs and festivals reflect that passion. Marietta College gives its hometown a New England feel. Ohio University and the community of Athens, Ohio, are nearby. The Ohio River is the common thread that runs through everything, and the Blennerhassett State Park, located on an island of the same name very close to Parkersburg, is a historic and beautiful place to get away to on a summer day. There's much to see and do within a couple of hours' drive from our location in Western West Virginia and Southwestern Ohio. Whitewater rafting, snow skiing, and so much more are available in the mountains of West Virginia. The locally situated Mid-Ohio Valley regional airport and airports in Charleston, West Virginia, and Akron, Columbus, and Cleveland, Ohio, give you access to anywhere you want to go. Wherever you may travel, though, our area is proud of its history and heritage with roots in oil and industry, which have helped shape our region into what it is today. WTAP’s commitment to serve the Mid-Ohio Valley, the place that we call home, shows that it doesn’t matter what the market size is… we are here doing what really matters.

Job Summary/Description:

WTAP is looking for a full-time Weekend Multi-Media Journalist. The schedule is typically Friday-Tuesday. Successful candidates will cover news in Parkersburg, WV, Marietta, OH, and the Mid-Ohio Valley. Successful candidates will also have the ability to deliver compelling stories. Must be a self-motivator, able to meet deadlines, have strong verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrate good news judgment and decision-making. We're looking for someone who maintains a positive work environment.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Write, shoot, and edit stories on your own for daily newscasts, website, and social platforms
• Generating story ideas and building local contacts
• Contribute story ideas in our daily story meetings
• Demonstrate sound news judgment
• Operate LIVE shots using a TVU
• Work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
• Gather information about news through research, interviews, experience, and/or attendance at local event functions
• Follow up on tips that lead to stories
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to communicate effectively with newsroom managers, producers and co-workers
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong professional social media skills.
• Maintain a professional appearance
• Valid driver's license and a good driving record

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

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to 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.