Reporter - Publication

Forum-Communications; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision packages

Paid maternity and parental leave

Retirement benefits with company match

Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

Company-paid short-term disability and

life insurance

Job summary

The Pine and Lakes Echo Journal, part of Forum Communications Company, is seeking a Reporter to produce deeply researched, engaging stories for print and digital platforms.

You will research leads, interview sources, and craft compelling narratives while adhering to AP style and deadlines, contributing to community coverage and digital growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent reporting/writing experience.
• 3+ years writing experience for newspaper/website/magazine preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading; AP style mastery.
• Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Research and craft compelling stories for print and digital platforms; follow AP style.
• Source, interview, and develop leads to support editor needs and audience focus.
• Cover local politics, safety, education, and community events with accuracy.
• Collaborate with reporters and digital teams; grow audience engagement.
• Demonstrate sound editorial judgment and ethical practices.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Interviewing

AP style

Digital publishing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field

Tools

Photo editing

Content management system

Digital analytics tools

Job description

Description

The Pine and Lakes Echo Journal has been delivering award-winning local news to Pequot Lakes, MN and the surrounding communities since 1972. Its best-in-class journalism has earned the publication multiple awards over the years from the Minnesota Newspaper Association. The Pine and Lakes Echo Journal is part of Forum Communications Company, a 5th-generation family-owned media company with 20+ publications across the Upper Midwest that collectively deliver local news to more than 5 million readers every month.

Job Summary

A Reporter is responsible for producing deeply researched, engaging, relevant stories and/or visuals in a variety of formats on all relevant publishing platforms, with an emphasis on digital content and publishing.

Essential Functions

• Research and craft compelling stories that adhere to editorial and AP style and format standards for publication across both print and digital platforms - following leads and responding quickly to breaking news.
• Find, research, and tell stories tailored to the editor’s needs and target audience.
• Stay up to date on the latest current events - local politics, public safety and education topics, community events, and more.
• Become an active part of the local and surrounding communities, developing sources and partnerships as a trusted source of information.
• Contact and interview sources, and research tips and leads.
• Displaying sound editorial judgements, including a thorough understanding and application of the law, relevant codes of practice, and ethical principles.
• Drive audience loyalty and digital growth through engaging and timely content, developing unique story ideas and content around key categories that drive digital memberships and reader engagement.
• Collaborate with digital teams and make use of available tools and technology to gain insight into story metrics, determining new ways to create and present content online.
• Embrace a creative, collaborative approach with other team members and with other FCC departments and locations.
• Contribute to the overall advancement of digital initiatives; share and promote digital content through various social media channels.
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional reporting/writing experience.
• 3+ years of previous writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine, or specialty publication strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a solid grasp of AP style.
• Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred, and a strong commitment to journalistic integrity and ethics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with community members and business leaders alike.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify compelling story angles that resonate with local audiences.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and organize multiple assignments, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail using a Web-based content management system.
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as the news happens, including evenings and weekends as needed, based on coverage needs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by the company.
• Must carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

Expected compensation for this role is $18-$19/hr, based on qualifications and experience.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Forum Communications Company is a family-owned media and technology leader with more than a century of delivering trusted, quality journalism and innovative business solutions. Storytelling is at the heart of who we are, but today, we’re so much more than a newspaper. As one of the Upper Midwest’s leading media organizations, we’re driving the future across print and digital news, sports streaming, technology, broadcasting, commercial printing, and full-service agency advertising.

Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.