WGN News Writer

Nexstar Media Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Life insurance

Job summary

WGN-TV Chicago is seeking a full-time News Writer to create compelling content across broadcast, digital, streaming, and social platforms. This role thrives in a fast-paced newsroom, contributing to live newscasts and multiplatform storytelling.

Ideal candidates have strong writing/editing skills, knowledge of local and sports news, and the ability to work under tight deadlines across multiple platforms. Onsite role with union considerations and competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in television news writing, producing, line producing, or content producing.
• Strong writing, editing, and news judgment skills.
• Experience producing content under tight deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom.
• Ability to multitask across multiple platforms.
• Working knowledge of video editing and newsroom production workflows.
• Knowledge of local, national, and sports news.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit stories for television newscasts, streaming platforms, digital properties, and social media channels.
• Edit video and prepare content for broadcast and digital distribution.
• Build and maintain rundowns and assist with daily show production.
• Coordinate live shots and communicate with reporters, photographers, editors, and producers.
• Order and manage graphics, lower thirds, full screens, and other visual production elements.
• Monitor breaking news and update content across multiple platforms throughout the day.
• Assist with sports coverage, highlights, and major event programming as assigned.
• Line produce newscasts or special coverage on a fill-in or assigned basis.
• Contribute story ideas and help identify opportunities for audience-focused, multiplatform content.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Writing

Editing

News judgment

Deadlines

Multitasking

Video editing

Newsroom workflows

Sports knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism/Communications or related field

Tools

Video editing software

Job description

WGN-TV Chicago is seeking a full-time News Writer to create compelling content across broadcast, digital, streaming, and social platforms. This role is ideal for a strong writer who can thrive in a fast-paced newsroom, contribute to live newscasts, and support multiplatform storytelling. Sports knowledge is highly valued, as this position may assist with sports content, breaking sports news, and major event coverage.

Responsibilities:

• Write and edit stories for television newscasts, streaming platforms, digital properties, and social media channels.
• Edit video and prepare content for broadcast and digital distribution.
• Build and maintain rundowns and assist with daily show production.
• Coordinate live shots and communicate with reporters, photographers, editors, and producers.
• Order and manage graphics, lower thirds, full screens, and other visual production elements.
• Monitor breaking news and update content across multiple platforms throughout the day.
• Assist with sports coverage, highlights, and major event programming as assigned.
• Line produce newscasts or special coverage on a fill-in or assigned basis.
• Contribute story ideas and help identify opportunities for audience-focused, multiplatform content.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum three (3) years of experience as a television news writer, producer, line producer, or content producer.
• Strong writing, editing, and news judgment skills.
• Experience producing content under tight deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities across multiple platforms.
• Working knowledge of video editing and newsroom production workflows.
• Knowledge of local, national, and sports news.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a versatile newsroom professional who can write, edit, produce, and adapt content for multiple platforms. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller with solid news judgment, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for serving audiences wherever they consume content. Experience with sports content and sports storytelling is a plus.

Required to join the IBEW union

#LI-Onsite

Compensation:

$27.87 to $46.68 per hour - commensurate with applicant's experience and skill level

Benefits:

Our comprehensive benefits package includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, Paid Parental leave, life insurance and more.