JOB DESCRIPTION: Morning News Live Reporter
The Morning News Live Reporter is a dynamic, on-air journalist responsible for delivering live reports, breaking news coverage, and field interviews for the station’s morning newscasts. Working closely with a news photographer, the reporter produces compelling, accurate, and engaging live stories that connect with the community and keep viewers informed.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct LIVE, on-location news reports for morning newscasts, including breaking news, developing stories, and community features.
- Collaborate with producers, photographers, and newsroom staff to plan, set up, and execute live shots and field interviews.
- Pitch stories to news managers and producers that are relevant to the local community.
- Secure in-person interviews with key sources, witnesses, and subject matter experts to add depth to coverage.
- Research and analyze background information related to news stories to provide complete and accurate reporting.
- Write and present news content in a clear, conversational, and engaging manner.
- Review and edit scripts for accuracy, grammar, punctuation, and adherence to editorial style and formatting guidelines.
- Evaluate notes and isolate key facts and details from events and interviews to shape the story.
- Determine a story’s emphasis, length, and format and organize material accordingly.
- Develop stories from leads and tips, evaluating their potential and conducting follow-up research.
- Discuss issues with producers and news managers to establish story priorities and station positioning.
- Use reference materials such as books, archives, or public records to obtain relevant facts.
- Revise stories as needed to meet editorial approval, time requirements, or platform specifications.
- Produce and present reports across all platforms, including broadcast, web, and digital extensions.
- Provide updates and context throughout live segments, adapting quickly to breaking developments.
- Maintain a strong knowledge of local news, community issues, and current events.
- Ensure accuracy, fairness, and journalistic integrity in all reporting.
- Represent the station professionally in the field, interacting with the public, officials, and community members.
- Engage with viewers on social media, providing updates, responding to questions, and building audience connection.
- Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
Requirements & Skills:
- 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.
- Minimum two years' experience in news reporting
- 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
Physical & Field Requirements:
- Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, walk moderate distances, and stand for extended periods. Comfortable operating in unfamiliar environments, including areas without paved access.
- Must be able to collaborate effectively in the field with photographers and production staff, including lifting up to 35 lbs and assisting with equipment setup and breakdown as needed.
- Must be available to work early morning hours and travel overnight to neighbor islands when required.
This is a highly active, field-based position that involves frequent work in dynamic and unpredictable conditions, particularly during breaking news coverage.