Story Desk Editor

TEGNA, Inc.; Independence (KS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

TEGNA, Inc. is looking for a Digital Content Producer in Independence, Kansas. The successful candidate will be responsible for writing and distributing original news content while curating material across various platforms, including websites and social media.

The role demands strong writing skills, knowledge of AP style, and experience in digital content production. Applicants should be able to handle breaking news situations effectively and possess excellent organizational skills.

Comprehensive benefits include medical coverage, paid time off, and a 401(k) program.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience writing breaking news articles.
• Ability to write quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Experience producing content for digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Write and distribute original breaking news content.
• Curate news content across all station platforms.
• Edit reporter stories for clarity and structure.

Skills

Strong writing skills

SEO best practices

News judgment

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

BA/BS in journalism or communications

Tools

CMS

Edius

Canva

Job description

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television.

WLTX-TV C, the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate in Columbia, is searching for an ambitious Digital Content Producer who thrives in a fast‑paced news environment and has an audience‑first approach to writing, producing and distributing local news content.

Our digital producers monitor digital audience trends to identify and write engaging local news content that broadens our audience. They curate quality content and oversee the audience experience across all WLTX-TV C website, mobile, app, streaming, and social media platforms. They work as part of the larger content team to break news and tell great stories in a 24/7 news environment.

The ideal candidate is an avid news consumer and writes accurate, compelling content with a sense of urgency.

Qualified candidates should be strong writers, first, with the ability to write quickly and accurately while tracking multiple streams of information. They should also have solid news judgment and experience producing and copy‑editing content for digital platforms. Experience with SEO best practices and audience listening is a big plus.

We’re also looking for someone with strong initiative and an inner drive who is ready to learn and grow.

Current driver's license and ability to operate news gathering vehicle to and from various locations is required.

Responsibilities

• Write and distribute original and accurate breaking news content
• Curate and schedule news content on all station platforms, including website, mobile app, social media and streaming platforms
• Edit reporter stories for grammar, clarity, structure, AP style and optimize the content for digital
• Use creative production or story‑packaging techniques, like subheads, hyperlinks, graphics and media (viewer pictures, user‑generated content, etc.) to enhance digital stories
• Write in an exciting, captivating and authentic manner
• Research for facts and credibility
• Monitor news releases and use social listening to find new content, enterprise stories and make community contacts
• Analyze and actively use data and metrics to inform editorial and strategic decisions
• Perform other tasks as required by supervisor or senior digital producers
• Ensure the newsroom upholds journalistic integrity and the station’s brand across platforms

Requirements

• BA/BS in journalism, communications and/or equivalent experience in the field
• 1-3 years of experience writing breaking news articles or writing news articles in AP style
• Strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to work under constant time pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to calmly handle live, breaking news situations and rapidly changing coverage
• Strong news and editorial judgment, and an understanding of the tenets of professional journalism
• Strong knowledge of AP style, copy editing and SEO best practices
• Experience with CMS, photo and video‑editing systems preferred
• The ability to write in an exciting, captivating and conversational tone is preferred
• Experience creating and managing content on social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
• An aptitude for creating and packaging engaging, audience‑driven content
• Knowledge of how to interpret and use digital analytics is a plus
• Knowledge of ENPS, Edius, Canva is a plus
• Ability to work various shifts, including mornings, nights and weekends

Benefits

TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard employees’ physical, mental and financial health, including two medical plan options for full‑time and part‑time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, dental and eye care coverage, fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance, disability and life insurance.

Our 401(k) program allows employees to contribute 1–80 % of pay on a pre‑tax basis, with the first 4 % matched at 100 % and 100 % vested from day one.

All employees and eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor’s appointments and 12 free annual therapy sessions.

Generous Paid Time Off and nine paid holidays per year.

* Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply.

EEO Statement

TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experience, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, military status, citizenship or any other protected characteristic. TEGNA will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you require accommodations, please email [e-mail].

Recruiting Fraud Alert

Only TEGNA recruiters or hiring managers will reach out to you. Communications will originate from a TEGNA or affiliate domain. Recruiters will never request payments, financial or personal information such as social security numbers.