Digital News Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Digital News Writer

🔹 Company: Sinclair Broadcast Group

🔹 Location: Hunt Valley, Maryland

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution

🔹 Date Posted: July 29, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 1-3+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Writing breaking news stories for digital platforms
• Identifying newsworthy topics for a nationwide digital audience
• Collaborating with broadcast producers to adapt digital stories for TV
• Evaluating coworkers' digital stories before publication
• Creating short video adaptations of digital stories

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing skills, quick turnaround times, and the ability to work well under pressure. It also involves some video editing, so familiarity with Adobe Suite is a plus.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Write digital news stories about breaking topics quickly and accurately

✅ Identify newsworthy topics for Sinclair’s nationwide digital news audience

✅ Collaborate with broadcast producers to translate digital stories into broadcast stories

✅ Evaluate coworkers’ digital stories before publishing

✅ Front short video adaptations of digital stories to be published on Sinclair platforms

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred

Experience: 1-3+ years of experience in digital news writing

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to write breaking news stories quickly and accurately
• Fluency in AP Style
• Ability to utilize an online content management system
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Adobe Suite
• Experience with video editing

ASSUMPTION: While a degree is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $58,000 - $60,000 per year

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Health Plans
• Dental Plans
• Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Personal Days
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Working Hours: Full-time, 5 days a week, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for digital news writers with 1-3 years of experience in the Baltimore, MD area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees

Founded: 1986

Company Description:

• Sinclair Broadcast Group is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports.
• The company owns, operates, and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks.
• Sinclair also owns Tennis Channel, multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD., and The Nest, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON.

Company Specialties:

• Broadcast Media
• News Operations
• Original Programming
• Digital
• Content Creation
• Media
• Television
• News
• ONEMedia
• Comet
• CHARGE
• ROAR
• The Nest
• The Triple Option podcast
• Throwbacks podcast
• Unfiltered Soccer podcast
• BFFR podcast
• Sinclair Cares
• Tennis Channel
• TennisChannel 2
• NewsON
• Criminally Obsessed
• Broadspan Wireless
• Compulse
• AMP Sales & Marketing Solutions
• AMP Media
• and Enriching Local Lives

Company Website: sbgi.net

ASSUMPTION: Sinclair Broadcast Group is a large, established company with a diverse range of media properties and a strong focus on local news and sports.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Digital News Manager.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with a 5-day workweek at Sinclair’s headquarters in Hunt Valley, MD.

Growth Opportunities:

• Proven writers may have opportunities to advance to senior writer or editor roles.
• With experience, writers may also have the chance to move into management or other specialized roles within the company.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company for qualified and motivated individuals.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters

Office Location(s): 10706 Beaver Dam Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030

Geographic Context:

• The Hunt Valley office is located in Baltimore County, Maryland, approximately 20 miles north of Baltimore city.
• The area is known for its suburban neighborhoods and easy access to major highways.
• Hunt Valley is also home to several corporate headquarters and business parks.

Work Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

ASSUMPTION: The Hunt Valley office offers a professional work environment with easy access to major highways and nearby amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the digital news team
• Final interview with the digital news director
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing skills and style
• Knowledge of AP Style
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure
• Collaboration and teamwork skills
• Familiarity with content management systems

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Include a cover letter that explains your interest in digital news writing and why you are a good fit for this position.
• Prepare a portfolio of your best digital news stories to showcase your writing skills and range.
• Be ready to discuss your familiarity with Adobe Suite and video editing during the interview.

ATS Keywords: Digital News Writer, Breaking News, Content Management System, AP Style, Collaboration, Video Adaptation, Story Evaluation, Adobe Suite

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and qualifications throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content Management System (CMS)
• Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is not required but is preferred. Training will be provided as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong teamwork and collaboration
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Professional dress code

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments?
• Are you a strong team player with excellent communication skills?
• Are you comfortable working in a professional office setting with a dress code?
• Do you have a passion for local news and a desire to inform and engage audiences?

ASSUMPTION: Sinclair Broadcast Group values employees who are driven, collaborative, and committed to excellence in their work.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with tight deadlines
• Competitive job market for digital news writers
• Potential for on-call or weekend work during breaking news events
• Limited opportunities for remote work or flexible scheduling

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and the industry, and candidates should be prepared to navigate them successfully.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to digital news reporter or writer positions at other broadcast media companies.
• However, Sinclair Broadcast Group is one of the largest and most diversified media companies in the United States, offering unique opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Compared to other roles in the industry, this position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits package.

ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other digital news writer positions, it offers unique opportunities and benefits that set it apart.

📝 Sample Projects

• Breaking news story about a major event or incident in the local area
• Feature story on a local community issue or trend
• Investigative piece on a local government or corporate scandal
• Video adaptation of a breaking news story for social media platforms
• Collaborative project with the broadcast news team to adapt a digital story for TV

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most important qualities and skills you're looking for in a Digital News Writer?
• How does this role fit into the overall structure of the digital news team?
• What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the company?
• How does Sinclair support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the digital news team currently, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and shows that you have done your research.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include a cover letter that explains your interest in digital news writing and why you are a good fit for this position
• Prepare a portfolio of your best digital news stories to showcase your writing skills and range
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.