News Reporter - Bloomington

Lee Enterprises; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pantagraph, part of Lee Enterprises, seeks a News Reporter to cover Bloomington-Normal’s restaurant scene and tell engaging stories about the people who make our community distinctive. The reporter will track openings, closings and trends, and produce human-interest stories for both digital and print audiences while meeting deadlines and collaborating with editors and photographers.

A journalism degree or related experience is preferred; early-career candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Strong reporting, interviewing and writing skills.
• Sound news judgment and a commitment to accuracy and fairness.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Experience with photography, video or other digital storytelling tools.

Responsibilities

• Building relationships with restaurant owners, employees, diners and community members.
• Staying on top of Bloomington-Normal restaurant news and dining trends.
• Reporting human-interest and community stories.
• Producing accurate, lively and timely stories for digital and print audiences.
• Taking photos and using social media and other digital tools to strengthen coverage.
• Assisting with breaking news and enterprise coverage.

Skills

Strong reporting

Interviewing

Writing

Photography

Video

Digital storytelling

Education

Journalism degree or related field

Tools

Social media tools

Job description

News Reporter, Bloomington Pantagraph

The Pantagraph is looking for an enthusiastic reporter to cover Bloomington-Normal’s restaurant scene and tell engaging stories about the people who make our community distinctive.

This reporter will keep readers informed about restaurant openings, closings and trends while introducing them to the people behind local dining establishments. The position also will produce human-interest stories that capture life in Central Illinois.

We want a curious, approachable reporter who enjoys getting out of the newsroom, meeting people and finding stories that resonate with local readers.

Responsibilities include:

• Building relationships with restaurant owners, employees, diners and community members
• Staying on top of Bloomington-Normal restaurant news and dining trends
• Reporting human-interest and community stories
• Producing accurate, lively and timely stories for digital and print audiences
• Taking photos and using social media and other digital tools to strengthen coverage
• Assisting with breaking news and enterprise coverage

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong reporting, interviewing and writing skills
• Sound news judgment and a commitment to accuracy and fairness
• The ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Experience with photography, video or other digital storytelling tools
• Journalism experience or a related degree; promising early-career candidates are encouraged to apply

The Pantagraph serves Bloomington-Normal, a growing Central Illinois community of more than 132,000 residents. The area is home to Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University and Heartland Community College, along with a diverse mix of businesses, restaurants, arts organizations and community institutions.

The Pantagraph and Lee Enterprises Inc. are equal opportunity employers.