Reporter

Hearst Health

. Cover local government, business, community issues, breaking news, crime, and public safety .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeAlton • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $35,360 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong writing skills with clarity and accuracy, capable of producing engaging stories for both digital and print platforms. Proficient in utilizing multimedia tools and social media to enhance storytelling and identify news opportunities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree In JournalismPortfolio Of Published StoriesDigital Publishing FamiliarityStrong News SenseSelf-Starter Attitude

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Story DevelopmentInvestigative ReportingClear WritingEngaging StorytellingQuick-Turn Story Filing

Soft Skills

CollaborationEagerness To LearnIndependence

Tools & Technologies

Multimedia ToolsDigital ToolsSocial Media

Industry Keywords

Local Government CoverageCommunity IssuesBreaking NewsCrime ReportingPublic Safety

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Cover local government, business, community issues, breaking news, crime, and public safety
Produce clear, engaging stories for digital and print platforms
Develop enterprise, context-rich, and investigative stories
Cover evening or nighttime public meetings periodically and file quick-turn stories under tight deadlines
Use photos, videos, live updates, and other digital tools for storytelling
Collaborate with editors, writers, and newsroom teams
Monitor local and regional news, social media trends, and reader interests to identify story opportunities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Portfolio of published stories; student publications or professional outlets accepted
Ability to write with clarity, accuracy, and authority
Strong sense of compelling local news and reader resonance
Self-starter eager to learn, pitch ideas, and pursue stories independently
Willingness to work with editors and peers in a fast-paced newsroom
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience and published work also considered
Familiarity with digital publishing, multimedia tools, and social media is a plus
Must be based in the region or willing to relocate

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Competitive retirement plan with employer match in most markets
Generous Paid Time Off, including holidays and vacation
Paid Parental Leave for new parents
Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement
Mental wellness benefits
LGBTQ+ & inclusive health services
Fertility coverage & menopause support
Pet wellness reimbursement & Rover credits
Personal and professional development support
Physical, financial, and emotional well-being support