PHOTOJOURNALIST (MORNING) - WMTV

GRAY MEDIA; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

WMTV in Madison, part of Gray Media, is seeking a Morning Photojournalist to own the morning live shots, interviews, and digital content for our markets. You'll pivot from live interview to breaking news while maintaining calm under pressure.

Join a team dedicated to storytelling, mastering new gear, and delivering sharp visuals for morning, midday, and early evening newscasts. Must bring energy, reliability, and newsroom instincts.

Qualifications

• Journalism degree or technical college video production degree preferred.
• 1–2 years of field experience in a fast-paced newsroom preferred.
• Strong understanding of lighting, composition, and audio to tell stories visually.

Responsibilities

• Own the morning live experience with dynamic, high-quality live shots and interviews.
• Pivot quickly to breaking news while maintaining calm and accuracy.
• Gather digital components and social snippets for every story.
• Serve as liaison between field and control room for seamless production.
• Provide live support for the 11 AM newscast and maintain momentum after morning shows.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in the field with a can-do attitude.

Skills

White balance

Rule of thirds

3-point lighting

Audio capture

Digital storytelling

Education

Journalism degree or technical college video production degree

Tools

TVU

ENPS

Arc

Edius

Syncbak

Chartbeat

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 46 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 WMTV:

WMTV serves south central Wisconsin. We are the #1 station—leading the market in news and weather coverage, and we are recognized for sharing information with accuracy and immediacy on our digital platforms.

Job Summary/Description:

Are you a visual storyteller who thrives on the adrenaline of live television? Do you have the technical eye to make every morning live shot look sharp, professional, and engaging? WMTV in Madison is looking for a Morning Photojournalist who doesn't just \"show up\" for the morning shift—they own it.

We need a creative partner in the field who can pivot from a live interview to breaking news coverage without missing a beat, all while keeping a cool head and a sharp eye. You'll also be a key player in our day-of coverage, gathering the fresh content and visuals needed to keep our midday and early evening newscasts ahead of the curve. We invest in our people—whether it's drone certification or mastering new gear, we want you to level up. Your work will help Madison wake up informed, inspired, and connected to their city every single day. Join a group of passionate journalists who are dedicated to being #1 in Madison and having fun while doing it. Ready to make your mark in Madison? Let's create something amazing together.

Duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to the following:

What You’ll Do:

• Own the morning live experience: Partner with our morning reporters to execute dynamic, high-quality live shots and interviews that engage our morning viewers.
• Master the pivot: Stay ready to jump on breaking news at a moment’s notice, providing the urgency and visual context our audience needs.
• Drive digital content: Gather essential digital components and social snippets for every story you touch, ensuring our coverage wins on every platform.
• Bridge the gap: Act as the essential liaison between the field and the control room, serving as the producer's eyes and ears to ensure seamless execution.
• Fuel the midday news: Continue the momentum after the morning show by gathering fresh content and providing live support for our 11 AM newscast.
• Troubleshoot on the fly: Solve technical challenges in the field with a calm, \"can-do\" attitude that keeps the crew focused and the broadcast on track.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Journalism degree or technical college video production degree preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience preferred, with time in the field and an understanding of the pace of a professional newsroom.
• Technical mastery. You have a deep understanding of white balancing, the rule of thirds, sequencing, and 3-point lighting. You know how to capture good audio and natural sound to tell a story for the ear.
• A digital-first mindset. You understand that a story isn't finished until it’s ready for social and web audiences too.
• Drone ambitions. You either already have your Part 107 or you're ready and willing to learn how to take our storytelling to the skies.
• Communication skills. You're a \"people person\" who can communicate clearly with the booth while managing the chaos of the field.
• Morning energy. You're a self-starter who brings a positive vibe to the early hours (and you know where the best coffee in Madison is).
• Reliability. You're the calming voice in the field that the team relies on when things get intense.
• Familiarity with TVU, ENPS, Arc, Edius, Syncbak, and Chartbeat is a plus, but not required
• Must be able to carry 35+ pounds of gear including camera, camera bag, tripod and TVU.

WMTV-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 at every location where 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.