The Central Oregon Daily News is looking for a Reporter to join their team! In this role you will convey both general assignment and feature stories that matter to our viewers. Stories that our viewers want to know and need to know in Central Oregon. You should be knowledgeable on a broad variety of topics including current events, education, business, social trends, people, community service and other elements uniquely local to Central Oregon. You will be responsible for and have the opportunity to tell stories from the studio or from the field.

The pay range listed for this position represents the low and high end of the base compensation range. The actual offer amount will carefully consider multiple factors, such as relevant skills, qualifications, work experience, location and/or competencies that align with the specified role.  Certain positions are eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses and equity awards. 

Zolo Broadcasting LLC, a TDS Telecom company, operates KOHD-TV the ABC affiliate, KBNZ-LP the CBS affiliate, COTV11 and CO4 Visitors Network as Zolo Media, offering a wide range of viewing options for Central Oregonians.

Zolo Media provides targeted advertising solutions through a combination of locally originated content, local broadcast television stations, and on Bend and Crestview cable television networks. Zolo Creative Services offers award-winning video production for television spot production. Visit zolomedia.com or centraloregondaily.com.

Zolo Broadcasting LLC and Zolo Media are part of TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom), which is based in Madison, Wis. Combined, the companies employ more than 3,400 people and are subsidiaries of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS], a Fortune 1000® company. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular, TDS Telecom, and OneNeck IT Solutions. Visit tdsinc.com.

• Interviewing people in a range of different circumstances. May also include the following:
  • Building contacts to maintain a flow of news, for example, police and emergency services, local council, community groups, health trusts, press officers from a variety of organizations, the general public, etc;
  • Seeking out and investigating stories via your contacts, press releases and other media;
  • Attending press conferences and asking questions;
  • Attending a variety of events, such as council meetings, sporting events, talent contests, etc;
  • Answering the phones and reacting to topical stories that matter to our viewers.
• Working closely with the broadcast team, photographers and editors and producers. Writing and editorial judgement for live and recorded daily content. Also, to include:

  • Producing concise and accurate copy and to adhering to strict deadlines.

  • Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records to obtain relevant facts.

  • Receive assignments and contribute to story ideas and development.

  • Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time/space requirements, and within editorial style guidelines.

• Recording/editing interviews using technical camera and computer equipment.
• Submitting copy for the digital publication of all stories completed as assigned.
• ‘Live’ online reporting or real-time social media blogging when covering important events. Adaption of stories to On-line and web platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Associates degree (or higher) -OR- 2+ years professional work experience.
• 1+ years of newsroom, journalism and/or on-camera storytelling experience.

Other Qualifications

• Demonstrated writing and editorial judgement experience.
• Familiar with newsroom producing software
• Understanding of and ability to troubleshoot computers preferred; proficient in Microsoft Office & Apple computers.
• Ability to professionally interact with customers and co-workers; strong verbal communication skills
• Basic understanding of broadcast cameras and how to operate them.
• Basic non-linear editing skills. Final Cut, Adobe Premier, Avid, or similar.
• Must be reliable and motivated to fulfill obligations; ability to work independently without supervision.
• Ability to analyze situations and use logic to address issues; careful attention to details.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as a part of a regular schedule and/or dictated by business needs
• Strong work ethic with an emphasis on team commitment.
• Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record (supplied by applicant)
• Successful criminal background check is required
• Final applicants are required to take and satisfactorily pass a pre-employment drug test within 48 hours of notification.

Do you meet all of the Required Qualifications, but aren't sure if your experience meets the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that some candidates may not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications, when, in fact, they have the skills and experience to be successful in the role!  Experience and skills come in many different forms and may not always look identical to what we have on paper, but still lead to success in the role. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have what it takes to be successful in the position, apply today! 

Benefits

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off benefits such as vacation (15 days accrued per year for full-time; pro-rated for part-time associates working between 20-39 hours), sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates), seven paid national holidays and one floating holiday, paid parental leave (2 weeks after 12 months of employment), among others.  Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability coverage is also available for associates working 30 or more hours per week and Education Assistance is available to full-time associates.  Associates scheduled to work under twenty hours per week or for a limited term (i.e. interns) are eligible for medical coverage, the 401(k) plan (if 18 or older), as well as sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates). For more detail on the benefits we offer click here. 

At TDS, we embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by law. To learn about our diversity & inclusion philosophy and culture, click here!