Video Journalist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Video Journalist

🔹 Company: Fort Myers Broadcasting Co

🔹 Location: Fort Myers, Florida, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution

🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing story ideas and conducting research
• Capturing visual content through videography and photography
• Editing video and multimedia content using Final Cut Pro
• Writing and producing stories for multiple platforms under tight deadlines
• Collaborating with photographers, news producers, and online staff

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong multitasking skills, adaptability, and the ability to work well under pressure.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Receive assignments or evaluate news leads and news tips to develop story ideas

✅ Organize material, determine slant or emphasis, and write stories according to prescribed editorial style and format standards

✅ Shoot video and still photos to illustrate stories

✅ Edit video on Final Cut Pro editing systems, or similar equipment

✅ Edit, or assist in editing, videos for all multimedia platforms

✅ Work cooperatively with photographer assigned to story, if one is assigned

✅ Assist news producer in preparing newscasts

✅ Assist online staff in preparing for multimedia stories

ASSUMPTION: The role may require working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to cover news events as they happen.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism or a related field

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience preferred

Required Skills:

• Computer literacy, including newsroom computer systems
• Videography and non-linear editing experience
• Knowledge of broadcast quality camera equipment
• Strong broadcast and AP style writing skills
• Proficient at posting content to various websites
• Self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to carry and set up ENG equipment often weighing 50lbs
• Ability to drive news vehicle to news story location, and to edit footage in confined areas/space
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in driving and handling news vehicles is likely required for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35,000 - $50,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Video Journalist with 2-5 years of experience in Fort Myers, Florida)

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, and HSA
• Eligibility for company-paid benefits such as life insurance & EAP and employee-paid benefits such as short- and long-term disability
• PTO – Earned on Accrual Basis
• Company-Paid Holidays
• 401(k)

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. May require flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution. Fort Myers Broadcasting Co is a privately-held company with 51-200 employees, founded in 1939. It is owned by the McBride family and is the first licensed radio broadcast station in Southwest Florida.

Company Size: 51-200 employees. This size allows for a medium-sized team structure, offering opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: 1939. Fort Myers Broadcasting Co has a rich history in Southwest Florida, growing with the region over the past eight decades.

Company Description:

• Fort Myers Broadcasting Co is the parent company of WINK News, the first television station in Southwest Florida
• The company has evolved from a non-network affiliated radio station to a CBS-affiliated television and radio station
• WINK News is committed to providing comprehensive news coverage to the Southwest Florida community

Company Specialties:

• Broadcast journalism
• News gathering and reporting
• Multimedia production
• News broadcasting

Company Website: winknews.com

ASSUMPTION: Fort Myers Broadcasting Co is committed to delivering accurate and up-to-date news to the Southwest Florida community, with a focus on local stories and events.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level. This role requires a bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of experience, placing it at the mid-level of the career ladder in broadcast journalism.

Reporting Structure: Video Journalists typically report to the News Director or a similar role within the news organization.

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. This role requires working on-site, with flexible hours to cover news events as they happen.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior or lead Video Journalist role
• Transition to a different role within the news organization, such as News Producer or Anchor
• Opportunities for mentorship and skill development through working with experienced journalists

ASSUMPTION: Fort Myers Broadcasting Co offers opportunities for career growth and development within the news organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a state-of-the-art studio and news gathering equipment.

Office Location(s): 2824 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33916, US

Geographic Context:

• Fort Myers is located in Southwest Florida, with a population of over 900,000 residents
• The region is known for its white-sand beaches and dynamic community
• Southwest Florida is often praised as being one of the healthiest and happiest places in the world

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours to cover news events as they happen. May require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Fort Myers Broadcasting Co is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with a focus on accurate and up-to-date news coverage.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Submit application through the provided link
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person interview with the News Director or a panel of News Directors
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Journalism skills and experience
• Writing and editing abilities
• Videography and multimedia production skills
• Adaptability and ability to work well under pressure
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant journalism experience and skills
• Include a cover letter that demonstrates your passion for journalism and your fit for the role
• Prepare examples of your work, such as news stories or multimedia projects, to showcase during the interview
• Research Fort Myers Broadcasting Co and WINK News to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its mission

ATS Keywords: Broadcast Journalism, Videography, Non-linear Editing, Computer Literacy, AP Style Writing, Content Posting, Story Development, Video Editing, Visual Content Capture, Team Collaboration, Deadline Management, News Production, ENG Equipment Handling, Driving, Fast-paced Environment, Research

ASSUMPTION: The application process at Fort Myers Broadcasting Co is competitive, with a focus on finding the best fit for the role and the company culture.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Final Cut Pro
• Newsroom computer systems
• Broadcast quality camera equipment
• ENG (Electronic News Gathering) equipment
• News vehicles

ASSUMPTION: Fort Myers Broadcasting Co provides the necessary tools and technologies for Video Journalists to perform their jobs effectively.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Accuracy and fairness in reporting
• Commitment to the community
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Adaptability and innovation

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and deadline-driven
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and able to work well under pressure
• Committed to accurate and up-to-date news coverage

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a strong commitment to accurate and fair reporting?
• Am I able to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines?
• Do I thrive in a collaborative and team-oriented environment?
• Am I adaptable and able to learn new tools and technologies as needed?

ASSUMPTION: Fort Myers Broadcasting Co values employees who are committed to accurate and fair reporting, collaborative and team-oriented, adaptable, and able to work well under pressure.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to cover news events as they happen
• Adapting to a fast-paced and deadline-driven work environment
• Handling and operating heavy ENG equipment
• Driving news vehicles and navigating to news story locations
• Competing with other applicants for a limited number of positions

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role of Video Journalist and can be mitigated with strong communication, time management, and adaptability skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Video Journalist vs. Multimedia Journalist: Video Journalists focus primarily on video content, while Multimedia Journalists may work with a wider range of media, including audio and interactive content
• Video Journalist vs. News Reporter: Video Journalists capture and edit video content, while News Reporters may focus more on writing and conducting interviews
• Video Journalist vs. News Anchor: Video Journalists work behind the scenes to capture and edit video content, while News Anchors present the news on-air

ASSUMPTION: These roles share some similarities but have distinct differences in focus and responsibilities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Covering a breaking news event, such as a fire or accident, and capturing video footage to illustrate the story
• Editing video footage using Final Cut Pro to create a compelling news package
• Writing a news story based on research and interviews, and working with a photographer or videographer to capture visual content

ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the key responsibilities of a Video Journalist and provide insight into the day-to-day work of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most important qualities you're looking for in a Video Journalist?
• How does this role fit into the overall news operation at WINK News?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does Fort Myers Broadcasting Co support the professional development of its Video Journalists?
• What are the opportunities for growth and advancement within the news organization?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a strong interest in the role and the company, and provide insight into the expectations and opportunities for growth.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant journalism experience and skills
• Include a cover letter that demonstrates your passion for journalism and your fit for the role
• Prepare examples of your work, such as news stories or multimedia projects, to showcase during the interview
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

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