Story Desk Editor

Digital Content Producer

WZZM-TV Grand Rapids, the TEGNA-owned ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids is searching for an ambitious Digital Content Producer who thrives in a fast-paced news environment and has an audience-first approach to writing, producing and distributing local news content.

Our digital producers monitor digital audience trends to identify and write engaging local news content that broadens our audience. They are responsible for curating quality content and overseeing the audience experience across all WZZM-TV Grand website, mobile, app, streaming and social media platforms. They work as part of the larger content team to break news and tell great stories in a 24/7 news environment.

The ideal candidate is an avid news consumer and writes accurate, compelling content with a sense of urgency.

Qualified candidates should be strong writers, first, with the ability to write quickly and accurately while tracking multiple streams of information. They should also have solid news judgment and experience producing and copy-editing content for digital platforms. Experience with SEO best practices and audience listening are a big plus.

We're also looking for someone with strong initiative and an inner drive who is ready to learn and grow.

Responsibilities:

• Write and distribute original and accurate breaking news content
• Curate and schedule news content on all station platforms, including website, mobile app, social media and streaming platforms
• Edit reporter stories for grammar, clarity, structure, AP style and optimize the content for digital
• Use creative production or story-packaging techniques, like subheads, hyperlinks, graphics and media (viewer pictures, user-generated content, etc.) to enhance digital stories
• Write in an exciting, captivating and authentic manner
• Research for facts and credibility
• Monitor news releases and use social listening to find new content, enterprise stories and make community contacts
• Analyze and actively use data and metrics to inform editorial and strategic decisions
• Perform other tasks as required by supervisor or senior digital producers
• Ensure the newsroom upholds journalistic integrity and the station brand across platforms

Requirements:

• BA/BS in journalism, communications and/or equivalent experience in the field
• 1-3 years of experience writing breaking news articles or writing news articles in AP style
• Strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to work under constant time pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to calmly handle live, breaking news situations and rapidly changing coverage
• Strong news and editorial judgment, and an understanding of the tenets of professional journalism
• Strong knowledge of AP style, copy editing and SEO best practices
• Experience with CMS, photo and video-editing systems preferred
• The ability to write in an exciting, captivating and conversational tone is preferred
• Experience creating and managing content on social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
• An aptitude for creating and packaging engaging, audience-driven content
• Knowledge of how to interpret and use digital analytics is a plus
• Knowledge of ENPS, Edius, Canva is a plus
• Ability to work various shifts, including mornings, nights and weekends