📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: News Reporter/ Digital Content Writer - KPQ
🔹 Company: Townsquare Media
🔹 Location: Wenatchee, Washington, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: ✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing
🔹 Date Posted: Mon Mar 31 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 1-3 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
📌 Essential Job Details
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and delivering news content across multiple platforms with a focus on hyperlocal stories.
- Leading a team of reporters in a fast-paced, breaking news environment.
- Creating engaging, shareable content with a strong local focus.
- Balancing traditional reporting with digital content strategies for community engagement and SEO.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires the candidate to have strong adaptability skills to switch between various reporting formats and styles, tailoring news to different audience types across platforms based on the job description focus on both traditional and digital content.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop, prepare, present, and deliver live and recorded news content.
✅ Perform all technical operations required of on-air personnel in compliance with FCC regulations.
✅ Make public appearances and contribute to the promotion of Townsquare Media’s radio stations.
✅ Attend meetings for production, direction, and idea creation for programs.
✅ Engage with persons in entertainment and advertising to enhance the commercial value of programs.
✅ Adhere to digital responsibilities, providing content that is engaging and SEO-friendly.
✅ Coach and assign up to three articles/stories to reporters daily.
✅ Write and develop content ideas focusing on community news, breaking news, and user-generated content.
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a significant digital component, requiring regular content creation and adaptation for online platforms, which demands a solid understanding of digital media tools and strategies.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified
Experience: 1-3 years in a news organization, with preference for digital newsroom experience
Required Skills:
- Strong writing and reporting skills
- Knowledge of AP style and SPJ code of ethics
- Ability to thrive in deadline-intensive environments
- Effective communication skills and attention to detail
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with WordPress, HTML, Excel, Access, and video production
- Multimedia skills and capacity to manage multiple tasks
ASSUMPTION: The qualifications suggest that the role demands a balance of traditional journalism skills and modern digital content acumen.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $40,000 - $45,000 USD
Benefits:
- 3 weeks of PTO (+ 9 paid holidays)
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Opportunities for upward mobility and professional growth
- Company-provided laptop and competitive salary with bonus program
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with expectation for flexibility during breaking news events
ASSUMPTION: The benefits package reflects an investment in employee well-being and professional development, indicating a supportive work culture.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services - provides digital marketing solutions and operates a large radio station portfolio
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, offering a balance of stability and individual impact opportunities
Founded: 2010, emphasizing growth and innovation in digital media
Company Description:
- Community-focused with significant assets in digital marketing and radio.
- Operates Townsquare Interactive and Townsquare IGNITE.
- Has 357 radio stations with corresponding local news and entertainment websites.
Company Specialties:
- Radio and Live events
- National and Local advertising
- Programmatic and Digital Marketing
Company Website: http://www.townsquaremedia.com
ASSUMPTION: The focus on community-driven content suggests a work environment that values local culture and audience engagement.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Early to mid-career journalism professional
Reporting Structure: Reports to the News Director
Work Arrangement: On-site work environment
Growth Opportunities:
- Leadership opportunities within the news team.
- Engagement in diverse multimedia projects.
- Potential for upward mobility in digital content roles.
ASSUMPTION: The company's structure and resources can support long-term career development in digital journalism.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Traditional on-site office within a media hub
Office Location(s): Wenatchee, Washington
Geographic Context:
- Located in a beautiful region of the Northwest with four distinct seasons.
- Access to numerous recreational activities in North Central Washington.
- Strong community engagement opportunities.
Work Schedule: Regular office hours with possible variance for news events
ASSUMPTION: The location offers a balanced lifestyle with work-life integration for employees seeking outdoor activities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial application through the company’s career portal.
- Phone screening with HR or hiring manager.
- Technical assessment or writing sample review.
- Onsite or virtual interview with the hiring team.
- Final interview with upper management or news director.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Journalistic integrity and story-telling ability
- Digital content strategy and SEO understanding
- Leadership skills in fast-paced environments
Application Tips:
- Highlight multimedia and digital content skills in your resume.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of local news landscapes.
- Be prepared with examples of community-focused stories or projects.
ATS Keywords: News Reporting, Digital Content Writing, SEO, Social Media, Multimedia Skills, Community Journalism
ASSUMPTION: The recruitment process is comprehensive, assessing both technical skills and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- WordPress for content management
- HTML and web design tools
- Video production and editing software
ASSUMPTION: Experience with these tools is necessary due to the role's digital publishing and content creation requirements.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation in digital marketing and media
- Commitment to local community engagement
- Focus on employee growth and development
Work Style:
- Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Encourages proactive and creative problem-solving.
- Collaborative team mentality.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have a passion for local news and community engagement?
- Can I manage multiple tasks without compromising quality?
- Am I comfortable adapting to new technologies and platforms?
ASSUMPTION: A candidate well-suited to this role will value teamwork and have a strong local news acumen.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Maintaining quality under tight deadlines and breaking news situations
- Adapting to continuous digital media changes and technology updates
- Balancing traditional and digital journalism responsibilities
- Integrating effective community engagement in reporting
ASSUMPTION: The dynamic nature of news requires flexibility and resilience to cope with unforeseen challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Roles in larger city markets may offer higher salaries but less community focus.
- Digital content roles elsewhere may not involve leading a team of reporters.
- Positions at larger media companies may have more structured promotions but less flexible content creation policies.
ASSUMPTION: Comparison with roles in larger cities or companies suggests this offers broader community interaction and leadership growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Covering a major local festival with multimedia elements
- Investigative piece on local government or community challenges
- Engagement initiative through a public broadcasting event
ASSUMPTION: Sample projects would likely focus on maximizing community impact and visibility through diverse mediums.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Townsquare Media prioritize local community engagements in its content strategies?
- What opportunities are there for career advancement within the company?
- How does the team handle breaking news and unexpected events?
- What are the characteristics of a successful journalist in this position?
- How does Townsquare Media support employee growth and development?
ASSUMPTION: These questions aim to clarify the company's community commitment and personal development avenues.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Ensure your resume highlights relevant journalism experience and digital content skills.
- Prepare a portfolio of your work demonstrating community engagement and multimedia skills.
- Follow-up after submission to express continued interest.
- Be ready for possible phone screens and in-depth interviews.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
