Multimedia Journalist

(Confidential) - Panama City, FL

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Panama City, FL

About the position

WMBB-TV, the Nexstar-owned ABC affiliate for the Florida Panhandle, is seeking a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) to join our dynamic news team. This is a permanent, full-time position that requires a commitment to covering a wide range of stories in a vibrant news market. Our station is known for its aggressive news operation and has received numerous awards for its coverage over the past two years. As a Multimedia Journalist, you will be responsible for reporting news stories for broadcast, which includes describing the background and details of events, arranging interviews, and ensuring that all content meets our high standards for journalistic integrity and production quality. In this role, you will gather information about events through research, interviews, and attendance at various functions, including political, news, sports, and social events. You will also be expected to pitch relevant stories to news managers and producers, ensuring that our coverage reflects the interests and needs of the local community. The position requires flexibility in working hours, as you may be assigned to work any shift, and you will need to meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Your ability to ad lib and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, will be crucial to your success in this role. Additionally, you will be responsible for shooting and editing news events and reports, producing content for all platforms, and interacting with viewers on social media. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of news reporting in a fast-paced environment, where your contributions will directly impact the community we serve.

Responsibilities

• Reports news stories for broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
• Arranges interviews with people who can provide information about stories.
• Reviews copy and corrects errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
• Reviews and evaluates notes taken about event aspects to isolate pertinent facts and details.
• Determines a story's emphasis, length and format, and organizes material accordingly.
• Researches and analyzes background information related to news stories to provide complete and accurate information.
• Gathers information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social or other functions.
• Pitches stories to news managers and news producers which are relevant to the local community.
• Receives assignments and evaluates leads and tips to develop story ideas.
• Discusses issues with producers and/or news managers to establish priorities or positions.
• Checks reference materials such as books, news files or public records to obtain relevant facts.
• Revises work to meet editorial approval or to fit time requirements.
• Shoots and edits news events and news reports.
• Produces and presents reports for all platforms.
• Ensures that all content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality.
• Writes stories for the web and other eMedia platforms.
• Interacts with viewers/users on social media sites.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
• Fluency in English.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required.
• Minimum two years experience in news reporting (Depending on market size).
• Superior on-air presence.
• Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Flexibility to work any shift.