What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sports Reporter position at Forum Communications Company?
The Bemidji Pioneer has been delivering award-winning local news to Bemidji, MN and the surrounding communities since 1896. Its best-in-class journalism earned the publication first-place awards in general excellence, sports reporting, advertising excellence and best website by the Minnesota Newspaper Association in 2023. The Bemidji Pioneer is part of Forum Communications Company, a 5th-generation family-owned media company with 20 publications across the Upper Midwest that collectively deliver local news to more than 5 million readers every month.
SUMMARY
The Bemidji Pioneer is seeking a Sports Reporter who will work closely with the Sports Editor in
news-gathering efforts within the sports department and work to build a loyal, engaged audience
on each unique publishing platform. While experience is preferred, a candidate's drive, interest,
and willingness to learn will also be taken into consideration.
- Cover a variety of high school and college sports, including an emphasis on prep and Division II college football and basketball.
- Contribute to other recreational, outdoor and area sports coverage as needed.
- Research and report on assigned teams, games and topics.
- Develop unique story ideas and content that drive digital memberships and reader engagement.
- Determine story focus and write/produce stories according to editorial style and format
- Drive audience loyalty and digital growth through engaging and timely content.
- Respond with urgency to breaking news, which includes writing stories and producing visuals on deadline with a digital audience in mind.
- Embrace a creative, collaborative approach with other team members and with other FCC departments and locations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine or specialty publication is required, though college coursework will also be considered.
- Basic photography and photo editing experience is preferred.
- Some experience in proofreading or editing is preferred; AP Style knowledge is a plus.
- Journalism or communications degree is desired, though equivalent experience will be considered.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
- A strong sense of news judgment with urgency for the news.
- Must be able to multitask and juggle many different projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to quickly and accurately publish content online through a website interface.
- Must be creative, hardworking and a self-starter.
Expected compensation for this role is between $17 and $18/hour, based on qualifications and experience.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
We are a family-owned media and technology company that has been providing trustworthy, quality journalism and business solutions for more than a century. We've always been in the business of telling stories, but we're more than just a newspaper today. As one of the Upper Midwest's largest media organizations, we are leaders in the business of print and digital news, technology, telebroadcasting, printing, and agency advertising.
The company is comprised of passionate and purpose-driven people fueled by collaboration and innovation. In addition to a generous benefits package, you'll enjoy development and growth opportunities, an inclusive and creative culture, and a safe working environment. We believe in supporting each other, working hard towards common goals, and having fun. Come for the perks. Stay for the people.
Forum Communications Company offers the following for all full time and 32 benefited employees:
- Health, dental, and vision packages
- Company paid short term disability and life insurance coverage
- Critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage options
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- Retirement benefits
- Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.
Salary : $17 - $18
