General Assignment Reporter

Dougall Media, Thunder Bay’s only locally owned broadcast and multimedia company, has two full-time openings in our Newswatch team as General Assignment Reporters.

Do you wish that your communication and written skills were utilized and recognized? Can you imagine working in a respectful and diverse environment, where your efforts and accomplishments are celebrated? Would you like to be at the centre of exciting events or developments, and be the one to share what is happening with everyone else? TBnewswatch, NWOnewswatch, and SNnewswatch, do more than deliver news and current topics, they are outlets to share local voices and stories within and around our communities. Dougall Media provides a healthy work/life balance in a supportive and inclusive corporate culture. We also offer exciting employee perks such as staff development, staff celebrations, and free event tickets!

Position Summary:

The General Assignment Reporter is responsible for producing at least 10 stories a week for publication on TBnewswatch.com, NWOnewswatch.com, and SNnewswatch.com. Story ideas are assigned or pitched to the editor and followed up on when required. The Reporter is responsible for fact checking and proofreading their stories, posting completed stories and photos to the proper website(s), establishing and maintaining relationships throughout the coverage area, and rigorously adhering to journalistic ethics.

Responsibilities Include:

• Write and deliver news stories with the reader’s perspective in mind
• Produce at least 10 original stories per week as well as news briefs / press release rewrites
• Produce high-quality photographs to accompany stories
• Research and pitch story ideas, receive assignments, investigate news leads and tips
• Collect, verify, and analyze newsworthy information
• Contact sources and conduct interviews, attend events, press conferences, incidents, etc.
• Research, fact-check, and proofread stories
• Publish and schedule stories across the Newswatch websites
• Co-operate and collaborate with other reporters, including those in other departments, along with the managing editor and news director
• Check comments, Facebook messages, and community submissions
• Travel as required to cover stories throughout the region
• Be available to work evenings and weekends as required
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements for this Position:

• Live in Northwestern Ontario (Greenstone - Marathon - Nipigon - Thunder Bay - Fort Frances - Dryden - Sioux Lookout - Kenora)
• At least one year of experience in journalism or communications
• Superior language, writing, and editing skills
• Experience with photography and knowledge of editing software
• Flexibility to work a variety of different shift schedules, including nights and weekends
• A valid Ontario driver’s license and a willingness to travel
• The ability to meet tight deadlines

Additional Position Details:

• We currently have two positions available.
• Specific duties, such as weekend reporting or regional reporting, will be discussed further throughout the hiring process.
• Note: Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are available for weekend shifts and travel throughout the region, as well as whether you have any particular areas of interest (e.g., courts, environment, industry).

Dougall Media is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Dougall Media is committed to an environment of open access to employment opportunities. Accommodations are available for all applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Should an applicant require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at (807) 346-2569.

We thank you for your interest in working with Dougall Media, however, only those selected for an interview will be notified.

If interested, please click apply where you can submit your resume and cover letter, to begin the application process. Start your new career today!