Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter

WESH 2 CW18; Winter Park (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WESH 2/CW18 in the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne DMA seeks a Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter to join our Nightside team. Deliver critical information for 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts, then report day-of news for 10 PM and 11 PM newscasts.

You will report to the Nightside Executive Producer. You will report traffic with graphics, gather up-to-the-minute conditions, and coordinate with photojournalists to produce compelling packages for air and digital platforms, including live shots and

Qualifications

• Professional or college experience as a journalist and storyteller.
• Strong on-air presence and excellent live reporting skills.
• Experience using traffic systems preferred.
• Must be comfortable reporting breaking traffic or news live from a helicopter.
• Self-starter and able to ad-lib in breaking-news situations.
• Clear written communication and basic computer/social media knowledge.
• Familiarity with local street/highway names or ability to learn quickly.
• Energetic, creative and able to work with others under deadlines.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive long distances.

Responsibilities

• Prepare afternoon and evening traffic report with graphics.
• Provide clear and concise live traffic reports for 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts.
• Research, gather, and report up-to-the-minute traffic conditions.
• Communicate important traffic information to producers and anchors promptly.
• Ensure graphics, video and live shots are used accurately.
• Update digital platforms with traffic information and clips.
• After 6 PM, work with a photojournalist for 10 PM and 11 PM packages.
• Cover breaking news and produce live updates as directed.
• Establish relationships with law enforcement for timely updates.
• Develop stories with unique angles and post to digital/social platforms.

Skills

Live reporting

Journalistic storytelling

Traffic systems experience

Self-starter

Written communication

Social media familiarity

Driver's license

Team collaboration

Live helicopter reporting

Deadline pressure

Education

Journalism degree or equivalent

Job description

Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter

WESH 2/CW18, the Hearst-owned NBC affiliate in the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne DMA, is looking for a dynamic Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter to join our Nightside team. We need a strong visual storyteller with an engaging on‑air presence who can do more than recite traffic drive times. This person will deliver the critical information viewers need to navigate the afternoon and evening commute during our 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts, then report on day‑of news for our 10 PM and 11 PM newscasts. You will report to the Nightside Executive Producer.

Job Description

WESH 2/CW18, the Hearst-owned NBC affiliate in the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne DMA, is looking for a dynamic Nightside Traffic Anchor/Reporter to join our Nightside team. We need a strong visual storyteller with an engaging on‑air presence who can do more than recite traffic drive times. This person will deliver the critical information viewers need to navigate the afternoon and evening commute during our 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts, then report on day‑of news for our 10 PM and 11 PM newscasts. You will report to the Nightside Executive Producer.

Responsibilities

• Prepare afternoon and evening traffic report with graphics
• Provide clear and concise live traffic reports for our 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts
• Research, gather, and report up-to-the-minute traffic conditions
• Communicate important traffic information to producers and anchors promptly
• Ensure corresponding graphics, video and live shots are used accurately and appropriately
• Communicate afternoon and evening traffic information to viewers through digital platforms including our station website, mobile app, and social media pages
• After the 6 PM newscast, work with a photojournalist to confirm story details and gather video and sound for reporter packages airing live in the 10 PM and 11 PM newscasts
• Cover breaking news and produce live breaking‑news updates at the direction of news management.
• Establish strong relationships with law enforcement and other agencies to break traffic updates and news stories
• Work with news managers and producers to develop stories that go beyond surface details and accentuate unique angles
• Contribute pictures, video and text updates to digital and social platforms throughout the Nightside shift, including your own edited vertical video
• Work on different stories and projects while meeting deadlines under pressure
• Exhibit unwavering journalistic integrity and ethical standards
• In‑person attendance is required

Requirements

• Professional or college experience as a journalist and storyteller
• Strong on‑air presence and excellent live reporting skills
• Experience using traffic systems preferred
• Must be comfortable reporting breaking traffic, breaking news, or other developing stories live from our news helicopter for extended periods of time
• Must be a self‑starter and able to ad‑lib in breaking‑news situations.
• Must speak clearly and have basic knowledge of computers and social media platforms
• Familiarity with local street and highway names and directions, or the ability to learn them quickly
• Excellent writing, storytelling and packaging skills
• Write clear, correct and compelling copy that supports the images gathered
• Must be energetic, creative and work well with others
• Must work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and carry up to 50 pounds
• Valid driver’s license, ability to drive vehicles over long distances and a clear driving record
• Ability to work varied shifts, including overnights and weekends
• Ability to handle the stresses and pressures of time‑sensitive newscast production
• Two to four years of experience as a journalist and storyteller in a commercial television station preferred
• Traffic reporting experience is a plus
• Demo reel should be indicative of everyday work
• Related military experience will be considered

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

• Medical | Dental | Vision
• 401(k) matching
• Emotional Wellness Support
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• LGBTQ+ Health Services
• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs

About Us

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching nearly 25 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.