Reporter

Sarkes Tarzian, Inc.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

WRCB Local 3 News in Chattanooga, TN seeks a driven Reporter to tell stories that matter to the Tennessee Valley across broadcast, digital, streaming and social platforms. You will report, write and deliver news with accuracy and urgency, build sources, and adapt quickly as events unfold.

The ideal candidate brings solid reporting experience, strong writing and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Sarkes Tarzian supports growth and values community-focused journalism.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field preferred.
• At least one year of professional reporting experience, including live reporting, preferred.
• Strong research, writing, interviewing and storytelling skills.
• Ability to write clearly and conversationally for both broadcast and digital audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to journalistic ethics, accuracy, fairness and accountability.
• Ability to generate engaging live shots and explain information clearly.
• Strong news judgment and ability to perform under deadline pressure.
• Experience shooting and editing video is a plus.
• Familiarity with nonlinear editing systems and newsroom tech.
• Ability to use social media and digital platforms for reporting and audience engagement.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to take initiative.
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, holidays or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Report and deliver compelling news stories for television and digital platforms.
• Produce packages, VO/SOTs, live shots and other content for newscasts and digital audiences.
• Cover general-assignment, breaking news and enterprise stories with accuracy and urgency.
• Pitch original, relevant story ideas daily.
• Develop and maintain strong contacts throughout the community.
• Coordinate interviews and story logistics with the assignment desk and producers.
• Attend editorial meetings with audience-focused ideas.
• Deliver confident live reports and adapt to breaking news.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Interviewing skills

Storytelling

Clear writing

News judgment

Video shooting

Video editing

Nonlinear editing

Social media

Team player

Flexible schedule

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field

Tools

ENG equipment

Job description

WRCB Local 3 News in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is looking for a driven, curious and community-minded Reporter to join our award-winning newsroom.

This is an opportunity for a journalist who thrives on breaking news, asks smart questions, develops solid sources and tells stories that matter to the people of the Tennessee Valley. We’re looking for someone who can turn a strong daily story, dig deeper when the story demands it and deliver clear, compelling journalism across broadcast, digital, streaming and social platforms.

The ideal candidate is a competitive self‑starter and collaborative teammate who brings energy to the newsroom every day. You should be comfortable working independently in the field, communicating closely with producers and assignment desk, and adapting quickly as news develops.

At WRCB Local 3 News, we value accuracy, fairness, urgency and storytelling that puts the community first. Sarkes Tarzian is committed to serving the communities where we operate and to creating a workplace where employees are supported, respected and encouraged to grow.

What You’ll Do

• Report, write and deliver compelling news stories for television, digital, streaming and social media platforms
• Produce packages, VO/SOTs, live shots and other content for newscasts and digital audiences
• Cover general-assignment, breaking news and enterprise stories with accuracy, urgency and sound editorial judgment
• Pitch original, relevant and creative story ideas daily
• Develop and maintain strong contacts throughout the community
• Follow up on previously reported stories to identify new developments, accountability angles and opportunities for deeper coverage
• Research local, state, national and world news to remain informed and ready to respond to developing stories
• Coordinate interviews, story logistics and evolving coverage with the assignment desk and producers
• Attend editorial meetings prepared with strong, audience-focused story ideas
• Deliver confident, conversational live reports and adapt to breaking‑news situations
• Work effectively with photographers and provide clear editorial direction in the field
• Continuously strengthen writing, live‑reporting, interviewing, social‑media and storytelling skills
• Uphold WRCB Local 3 News’ standards for accuracy, fairness, objectivity, ethics and community trust

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required
• At least one year of professional reporting experience, including live reporting, preferred
• Strong research, writing, interviewing and storytelling skills
• Ability to write clearly and conversationally for both broadcast and digital audiences
• Demonstrated commitment to journalistic ethics, accuracy, fairness and accountability
• Ability to generate engaging, content‑driven live shots and explain complex information in an easy‑to‑understand way
• Strong news judgment and the ability to perform well under deadline pressure
• Experience shooting and editing video is a plus
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, nonlinear editing systems, ENG equipment and newsroom technology
• Ability to use social media and digital platforms as effective reporting, publishing and audience‑engagement tools
• A collaborative approach, strong communication skills and a willingness to take initiative
• Flexibility to work a schedule that may include mornings, evenings, holidays or weekends as news demands

Requirements

This position requires frequent walking and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain. Reporters may be assigned to crime scenes, severe‑weather events and other active incident locations requiring vigilance, situational awareness and attention to safety.

The ability to carry and transport up to 30 pounds of equipment is required. This role also requires the ability to drive independently to assignments. While reporters will often work alongside a photojournalist, they may at times be responsible for working solo as a multi‑skilled journalist, including traveling to, covering and gathering content for assigned stories.

Sarkes Tarzian is an equal‑opportunity employer.

About Local 3

Local 3 is one of two television stations owned by Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., an independent, family‑oriented broadcaster with a dedication to local news and information. Local 3 tells stories with compassion and concern for our community and the people who live in it.

Local 3 is located just a few miles from the banks of the Tennessee River, the focal point of Downtown. Chattanooga, a destination city and the centrepiece of a highly competitive mid‑size television market. Chattanooga is known as "The Scenic City" for its breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley from the surrounding Signal and Lookout Mountains.

Chattanooga is known for the fastest internet in the country, a walkable downtown, and a plethora of outdoor activities, live music, local cuisine, and family‑friendly activities like the Tennessee Aquarium. Just two hours from Atlanta, Nashville, and Birmingham, there is always a road trip to be had, though you likely will not need it with so much to do here at home.

Local 3 is the Tennessee Valley’s proud weather leader, investing in the market’s first mobile weather center. With the largest news and weather staff in the market, Local 3 continues to invest in local resources to serve local viewers.

Come join us and see why we are known as the leading station, in a city known as the Best Town in America, according to Outside Magazine.