News Reporter/ Digital Content Writer - KPQ - job 1 of 2

News Reporter/ Digital Content Writer – KPQ, Wenatchee, WA

Townsquare Media is looking for the next News Reporter for KPQ. Candidate must have a passion for and understanding of timely, multi-platform distribution of hyperlocal news content. He or she will be able to lead a team of reporters and deliver strong news content in a breaking news environment, and pivot to highly shareable, engaging material with a unique voice — always focused on the local area.

KPQ is nearing the centennial of our founding in 2029 but joining our team at the legacy news outlet comes with the added benefit of living and recreating in a beautiful region of the Northwest.  We are blessed with four seasons and while we work hard, we play hard in North Central Washington.  

You will perform the following duties:

• Develop, prepare, present, and deliver live and recorded music, news or talk shows, commercials and other programming requirements (“Programs”);
• Perform all duties in technical operations required of on-air
  personnel by the Company and/or by Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) regulations;
• Make public appearances which may be broadcast by the Company and its affiliates and partners (including on-line) that promote and publicize the Company or which aid in the selling of commercial time on the Company’s radio stations, web sites and other media outlets and forums;
• Attend meetings involving the production, direction, and the creation of ideas for Programs;
• Meet with, entertain and associate with persons in the entertainment, advertising and other related fields at reasonable times and without additional compensation in furtherance of the commercial value of the Programs;
• Perform any ancillary duties, consistent with your position, that the Company may, in its sole and subjective discretion, require from time to time.

In addition to the foregoing, you are also required to adhere to all digital responsibilities, which shall include, but not be limited to:

• The ideal candidate will live and breathe community journalism and possess strong news judgment and the ability to thrive in a deadline-intensive environment.  
• The person filling this role should understand what makes content on the web sticky, conversation-starting and good for SEO.  
• Strong writing and reporting skills are essential; multimedia skills are highly valued.  
• The ideal candidate will have a knack for writing social media copy that engages an audience. He or she understands that the work doesn’t stop after hitting publish on an article—effective content marketing through clever social teases and gripping newsletter subject lines builds an audience.  
• The News Director will coach and assign 1-3 articles/stories a day to each reporter. 
• Develop content ideas for the community based on news value, audience demand and search data  
• Write 1-3 articles per day, including breaking news, police and fire coverage, business news, features, aggregation and curated pieces of user-generated content generate clever, insightful material in non-traditional story forms (think Buzzfeed), with a strong, relatable voice.

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years’ experience in a news organization, with digital newsroom experience preferred  
• Understand what makes online content conversation-starting and good for SEO
• Strong writing and reporting skills with knowledge of AP style and the SPJ code of ethics
• Ability to focus under pressure
• Capacity for managing multiple tasks at once
• Great communication skills and attention to detail are a requirement
• Experience working with WordPress, HTML, Excel, Access and video

Benefits

• 3 weeks of PTO (+ 9 paid holidays)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Casual, high-energy work environment
• Opportunity for upward mobility
• Company provided laptop
• Competitive salary + bonus program
• Company discounts
• Pet Insurance
• Time off for volunteering
• And much more…

About Us

Townsquare is a community-focused digital media, digital marketing solutions and radio company focused outside the Top 50 markets in the U.S. Our assets include Townsquare Interactive, a digital marketing services subscription business providing web sites, search engine optimization, social platforms and online reputation management for approximately 21,900 SMBs; Townsquare IGNITE, a proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology with an in-house demand and data management platform; and Townsquare Media, our portfolio of 357 local terrestrial radio stations in 74 cities with corresponding local news and entertainment websites and apps including legendary brands such as WYRK.com, WJON.com, and NJ101.5.com, along with a network of national music brands including XXLmag.com, TasteofCountry.com, UltimateClassicRock.com and Loudwire.com.

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA BROADCASTING, LLC MAINTAINS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AND IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. APPLICANTS MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE U.S.

Townsquare Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Townsquare Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Townsquare Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Townsquare Media’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.