TV Breaking News Reporter-Multimedia Journalist

WRAL-TV is seeking a driven and versatile Reporter/MMJ to join our award-winning newsroom. This journalist will be a front-line field presence for daily and breaking news, working across all WRAL platforms including TV, WRAL.com, mobile apps, YouTube, WRAL News+, and social media.

The reporter/MMJ thrives in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. This position demands initiative, strong editorial judgment, digital agility, and a passion for public service journalism. You will be expected to monitor scanners, leverage source relationships, analyze social media trends, and maintain close communication with the WRAL assignment desk to respond to developing stories at a moment’s notice.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities

Research and Investigation

• Conduct in-depth research and gather accurate, up-to-date information for assigned and self-generated stories.
• Develop and maintain a robust network of community sources, tipsters, and subject matter experts.
• Use public records, databases, and data journalism tools to add context and depth to coverage.

Reporting

• Report live from the field and in the studio on a wide range of topics including breaking news, weather events, politics, crime, business, education, and human-interest stories.
• Deliver content in a concise, compelling, and credible manner across platforms.
• Provide continuous updates and context during extended live coverage of breaking news.

Story Development

• Proactively pitch original, enterprise, and day-turn stories during editorial meetings.
• Follow through on story leads, develop angles, and execute storytelling that meets WRAL’s editorial standards.
• Maintain awareness of local, regional, and national news trends that may impact WRAL’s audience.
• Embraces and pitches accountability-driven storytelling. This includes stories that aim to hold the powerful accountable, be a voice for the voiceless, in order to best serve our communities.
• Embraces the use of graphics in all stories, to help viewers understand the storytelling process. This includes the use of graphics to showcase questions asked to officials when doing accountability journalism.

Writing

• Write clear, accurate, and impactful scripts for TV, digital, and streaming.
• Prepare voiceovers, intros, outros, and headlines that support cross-platform storytelling.
• Uphold strict AP style and WRAL writing standards in all content.

On-Camera Presentation

• Deliver stories on-camera in a professional, personable, and authoritative style.
• Conduct live and recorded interviews with newsmakers in diverse settings, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Maintain visual storytelling integrity by collaborating closely with photographers and editors.

Shooting, Writing, and Editing

• Independently shoot, write, and edit stories daily for all WRAL platforms, including TV, web, social media, streaming, and mobile apps.
• Ensure high production quality and platform-appropriate formatting for every piece of content.
• Use field gear (camera, tripod, mobile tech) and newsroom systems to file timely stories.

Collaboration

• Coordinate with newsroom teams including producers, photographers, editors, and digital producers.
• Contribute actively to editorial meetings and coverage strategy.
• Assist colleagues in the field when needed to ensure comprehensive team coverage.

Social Media and Online Presence

• Actively engage with the audience on platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
• Post frequent live updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and interactive content.
• Write web articles, upload videos, and contribute to WRAL.com’s multimedia offerings.

Adaptability

• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Rapidly adjust to breaking news environments with minimal notice.
• Demonstrate calm, clear-headed reporting during high-stakes situations.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in a TV newsroom as a reporter, MMJ, or equivalent. Live reporting experience strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency with newsroom systems including ENPS, Edius, FTP, and mobile live transmission tools.
  • Strong knowledge of video editing, digital publishing workflows, and social video tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to shoot, write, and edit complete stories independently and daily for multiple platforms.
  • Familiarity with media law, journalistic ethics, and public records.

Key Competencies and Attributes

• Strong editorial judgment and ethical decision-making
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Creative, visually compelling storytelling
• Resourceful and self-motivated, with a high sense of urgency
• Calm under pressure and highly organized
• Professional appearance and demeanor

Work Conditions: The work conditions and characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• MMJs work in a range of settings, including:
  • Newsrooms or studio offices.
  • Outdoor locations (crime scenes, weather events, public gatherings, etc.).
  • Remote locations (rural areas, disaster zones, etc.).
• Exposure to Elements: MMJs often report outdoors, meaning they may work in extreme temperatures, rain, snow, or windy conditions.
• Adaptability Required: Being prepared with appropriate clothing and gear is essential for outdoor reporting.
• On-Call Nature: MMJs may need to be ready to report at short notice for breaking news.
• Frequent Travel: Driving between locations is common, and some assignments may require long-distance or overnight travel.

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Benefits package including:
  1. Comprehensive health insurance plan options
  2. Vision and Dental Insurance
  3. Company sponsored life insurance
  4. Numerous voluntary benefit options – legal plans, pet insurance, discounted home and auto and more!
  5. 401K with company match
  6. Generous paid time off
  7. 9 paid company holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment with a supportive team culture.
• Exciting projects and growth opportunities within a leading organization.
• Opportunities to attend free local events, such as sporting events, concerts, shows, and more.

Pre-Employment Information:

• A pre-employment drug screening is required. 
• Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify. 

EEO Statement:

Capitol Broadcasting Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CBC Statement:

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, and WRAL Digital in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; The Greenville Yard Gnomes in Greenville, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC.