Reporter

Salary Range: $16.00 To $18.00 Hourly Company / Publication: CherryRoad Media / McPherson Sentinel, Kansas Position Summary: Are you passionate about community storytelling, local news, and engaging readers across print and digital platforms? CherryRoad Media is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Reporter to join our newsroom. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys attending local events, and wants to deliver impactful reporting to residents. As a key contributor to both print and online coverage, the Reporter will write compelling stories, develop trusted sourcing, and help strengthen our publication’s digital presence through multimedia reporting and social media engagement. Candidates must be located in the vicinity or within a reasonable distance of the specified location above to adequately cover local events. Key Responsibilities: Gather information through interviews, observation, attending events, public records review, and research. • Write accurate, fair, engaging, and grammatically sound news stories following AP style and journalistic ethics. • Produce timely articles for weekly print editions and daily web/social updates. • Select stories reflecting reader interest, local demographics, and community diversity. • Capture photographs and videos; edit multimedia content for publication. • Manage website updates, publish online stories/newsletters and oversee social media posts. • Develop and maintain community contacts and local knowledge to strengthen reporting. • Collaborate with editorial colleagues across the region to prioritize coverage and grow audience reach. • Generate strong, original story ideas and contribute to editorial planning. • Stay informed about local, state, national, and international issues relevant to the community. • Uphold journalistic ethics, accuracy, balance, and transparency. • Perform additional duties or assignments as required by the editor, deputy publisher, or publisher. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Proven ability to gather and verify information and conduct effective interviews. • Proficiency with computers, digital publishing tools, smartphones, and multimedia equipment. • Excellent writing skills including grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and adherence to AP Style. • Ability to react quickly to breaking news and exercise sound editorial judgment. • Strong time-management skills with the ability to balance multiple stories and deadlines. • Familiarity with social media platforms and audience engagement best practices. Required Education and Experience: • Degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field of study preferred but not required. • Equivalent experience in reporting, writing, student journalism, media, or related work will be considered. • Portfolio of writing samples strongly preferred. Working Conditions: • Work is performed in a mixed environment: newsroom/office setting, remote/home work, and on-location reporting throughout the community. • Duties frequently require attending local meetings, events, and community activities. • The workflow includes both independent work and collaborative projects with the editorial team. • Deadlines and breaking news coverage may require periodic schedule adjustments, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. • Regular travel within the coverage area is required, so reliable transportation is required. Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with this role. Management may modify or assign additional tasks as business needs evolve. Benefits: CherryRoad offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision, paid time off, paid sick time, paid holidays, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions. Part-time employees are eligible for paid sick time and the 401(k) plan. CherryRoad is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.