NEWS ANCHOR - (PRIMARY EVENING) - WAND

GRAY MEDIA; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The award-winning WAND newsroom, part of Gray Media, is seeking a skilled journalist to lead our evening newscasts in Central Illinois. You will write, edit, and deliver stories, handle breaking news, and help younger journalists thrive through teamwork and clear communication.

This role requires 3–5 years of newsroom experience, with at least two years on the anchor desk. A background in investigative journalism is a plus.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of newsroom experience preferred.
• A minimum of two years on the anchor desk is required.
• A background in investigative journalism sets you apart.
• This is not an entry level position.

Responsibilities

• Anchor evening newscasts with authority and strong on-air presence.
• Write, edit, and proofread scripts to ensure accuracy and a conversational tone.
• Lead breaking news coverage and conduct live, unscripted interviews.
• Mentor junior reporters and producers, actively collaborating in daily editorial meetings.
• Represent the station at community events and build relationships with local viewers.
• Pitch, research, and report original enterprise stories for special segments and stories.
• Drive viewer engagement by sharing news and behind-the-scenes content on social media.

Skills

Newsroom experience

Anchor desk experience

Investigative journalism

Team leadership

Job description

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 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, as well as studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WAND:

We understand that life needs balance. That is why we offer our employees and eligible family members a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive Medical(Rx), Dental and Vision Coverage
• Health Savings Account with Company contributions
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer-paid life and disability benefits
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Adoption and Surrogacy Benefits
• 401(k) Plan, including matching and profit-sharing contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary benefits, including Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and supplemental life insurance coverage
• Paid Time Off, including Relocation PTO
• Focus on Caring

$80,000.00 -100,000.00/yr. (depending on experience)

Shift and Schedule:

Mon. - Fri.

Job Type:

Full-Time

Job Summary/Description:

The award-winning WAND newsroom is hiring for a skilled journalist who can find the stories that connect us as a Central Illinois community. You'll lead our evening newscasts, write stories, handle breaking news, and help younger journalists thrive. This is a position that requires strong teamwork and strong communication.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Anchor evening newscasts with authority and strong on-air presence.
  Write, edit, and proofread scripts to ensure accuracy and a conversational tone.
• Lead breaking news coverage and conduct live, unscripted interviews.
  Mentor junior reporters and producers, actively collaborating in daily editorial meetings.
  
• Represent the station at community events and build relationships with local viewers.
  
• Pitch, research, and report original enterprise stories for special segments and stories.
  
• Drive viewer engagement by sharing news and behind-the-scenes content on social media.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• 3 to 5 years of newsroom experience preferred.
• A minimum of two years on the anchor desk is required.
• A background in investigative journalism sets you apart.
  
• This is not an entry level position.

WAND-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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.