Job Description

Reporter covering news for Cortez, Colorado The Journal is seeking a Reporter in Cortez, Colorado. The ideal candidate will be able to hit the ground running, have the ability to cut through the jargon, distill complex issues, and tell complex stories. Cortez in the politically diverse and changing southwestern corner of Colorado, surrounded by mesas, mountains, desert and high plateaus. Year-round recreational opportunities abound. This position would cover government, environment, and education and breaking news in Southwest Colorado for The Journal. We are part of the family-owned Ballantine Communications Inc. media organization. BCI operates multiple businesses including The Durango Herald and The Journal newspapers in southwestern Colorado, a phone directory, various magazines and a digital advertising agency. Our newsrooms have a deep commitment and proud tradition of community journalism.

Scope: Reporters at BCI entities (The Durango Herald, and The Journal) are focused on readership and a growing online audience. We publish three printed editions per week in Durango and one per week in Cortez. A full-time photographer/ videographer is on staff, but reporters frequently are required to provide photos for their stories.

Essential Responsibilities: \xe2\x80\xa2 Grow audiences by delivering well-written content; \xe2\x80\xa2 Perform research on different topics; \xe2\x80\xa2 Analyze and interpret findings by breaking down data; \xe2\x80\xa2 Beat reporting: deliver a wide range of work that covers all aspects: daily stories, profiles, news features, exclusive news and watchdog reports; \xe2\x80\xa2 Uncover newsworthy stories/breaking news; \xe2\x80\xa2 Interview key people (witnesses, sources etc.); \xe2\x80\xa2 Write content with readers needs in mind; \xe2\x80\xa2 Ensure your pieces are accurate and objective; \xe2\x80\xa2 Establish contacts and sources to use in future research; \xe2\x80\xa2 Maintain notes in written or electronic form; \xe2\x80\xa2 Contribute to content idea generation for publication; \xe2\x80\xa2 Stay up-to-date with local, national and international affairs; \xe2\x80\xa2 Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: \xe2\x80\xa2 Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field. \xe2\x80\xa2 Previous journalism experience is preferred, but recent college graduates will be considered. Please include five (5) samples of your work. \xe2\x80\xa2 Ability to meet deadlines; \xe2\x80\xa2 Multimedia/social media knowledge and experience. \xe2\x80\xa2 Knowledge of photography when staff photographer is not available. \xe2\x80\xa2 Broadly applied software including Google products, and photography skills (video skills preferred but not required). \xe2\x80\xa2 English Language \xe2\x80\x94 Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. \xe2\x80\xa2 Communications and Media \xe2\x80\x94 Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. \xe2\x80\xa2 Law and Government \xe2\x80\x94 Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. \xe2\x80\xa2 Telecommunications \xe2\x80\x94 Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

BCI offers a comprehensive benefit plan, consisting of medical, dental, vision, ancillary plans, 401(k), vacation and holiday benefits.

Pay: $35,000 - $45,000 depending on experience BCI is an equal opportunity employer.
recblid 7z44f6wcihb1jahwqkrpbde1alkta1

Ballantine Communications, Inc.