The Journal-Courier (myjournalcourier.com) in Jacksonville, Illinois, is seeking a news reporter. The Journal-Courier is a Monday through Saturday paper that is part of the Hearst Community Newspaper group, is a division of Hearst Newspapers and Hearst Communications. We are vital news and information sources for communities in the Midwest and work to provide information, news and marketing solutions to subscribers and local businesses in the towns we serve. We accomplish this goal by being an integral part of our local communities while tapping into the world-wide resources offered by Hearst Communications.

As a News Reporter you will collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, special sections and website.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Collect, verify and analyze thoroughly newsworthy information
• Assemble findings into a stable story
• Write and deliver news stories with the reader’s perspective in mind
• Receive assignments or investigate news leads/tips
• Abide by journalism’s ethics and codes
• Contact, interview and research sources
• Maintain notes, photos and audio recordings
• Cooperate with reporters, chief editor, producers etc
• Stay up-to-date with the latest current events in the “beat” by studying papers, attending events etc.
• Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
• Review written, audio, or video copy and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation and layout pages following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
• Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
• Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.
• Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.
• Thinking Creatively

Qualification and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field required, or other degree and related experience.
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Knowledge and use of AP Style
• Knowledge in maintaining and driving a digital-first thinking in the newsroom to being able to study and determine trends based on analytics.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process
•  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to take photos for print and online use, as well as tone and prepare photos for publication. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Requires meeting strict deadlines

As part of its continued efforts to maintain a safe workplace for employees, Hearst Newspapers requires that all employees who receive a written offer of employment on or after Nov. 12, 2021, be fully vaccinated (as defined by the CDC) against the coronavirus by the first day of employment as a condition of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Hearst Newspapers will consider requests for reasonable accommodations due to medical, including pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, and/or religious reasons on an individual basis in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Resume and samples of work can be sent to Editor and publisher David C.L. Bauer at dbauer@myjournalcourier.com.