Job Description
Weekday Evening Anchor
North Alabama's News Leader is looking for our next Weekday Evening Anchor, to co-anchor evening newscasts, working with a news team that is the number one rated station in the market. News 19 produces 50.5 hours of live news a week, more than anyone else in the market. The evening anchor team also anchors a half hour newscast on our CW station, WHDF. The Weekday Evening Anchor is one of the leaders in the newsroom, who helps shape stories and coverage of the evening news. You be reporting from an area that has grown substantially the past decade. Huntsville recently was named by the 2020 US Census as the most populated city in Alabama. News 19 is the only station located in the heart of the growing downtown. The cost of living in North Alabama is unmatched anywhere in the Southeast, with the addition of the backdrop of beautiful mountains and lakes in the Tennessee Valley.
Some previous work on the anchor desk is required, but this is a great opportunity for a reporter in a larger market, or a smaller market anchor/reporter, to get primary anchor experience.
Our anchors are working journalists. The successful candidate should be prepared to take an active role in news gathering every day, across all screens and platforms. That includes going out to report in the field, when necessary, field anchor and work as a mentor in the newsroom to reporters, producers and studio production team. At times, you will be asked to approve reporter scripts, preview producer scripts and help with teases and topicals. This anchor must be active on web, social media and will volunteer in the community.
We are a viewer advocacy brand of journalism in Huntsville, ''North Alabama's News Leader,'' where some of our stories are branded, ''Taking Action, Getting Results.'' That means our work must serve our viewers, and the communities in which we live.
Our anchors must demonstrate an understanding of the challenges, the heartaches, the injustices, and the successes, that people in our audience face every day.
We cover big city news in a small market. Take a look at the stories we've covered in the past few months online. We are a battleground market with tough competition, on the verge of an exciting year ahead, including mid-term and state elections.
This is an operation that believes in local news. We are the only station in the market with live newscasts 7am-9am weekdays, and the only station with a 6:30pm weekday newscast. Two years ago, WHNT was named ''Station of the Year,'' by the Alabama Broadcasters Association. Last year, WHNT was named to have ''Best Election Night Coverage'' by the same group. We have the team and tools to win daily coverage.
Make sure you include a link to your reel when you apply and send us a note or cover letter explaining how you fit the skillset we are looking for.
JOB SUMMARY: Deliver newscasts and news stories accurately, clearly and concisely and in an engaging manner.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
• Evaluate news leads and tips to develop story ideas. Gather and verify accurate information regarding articles through interviews, remark as well as research.
• Build network of sources who supply information that allows the Company to stay ahead of its competitors.
• Present compelling, clear, creative and accurate live shots.
• Organize material and write articles based on the details and information obtained.
• Use various social platforms to give updates as well as news stories to the public.
Specialized Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Solid vocal delivery, camera presence, and clear enunciation.
• Strong reporting skills.
• Understand importance of social media.
• Excellent reading, writing, spelling, grammar and organizational skills.
• Ability to assist with teases and topicals.
• Promotes teamwork and maintains attitude of cooperation with all station personnel.
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Communication/Journalism or related degree required (equivalent years of experience may substitute for education); plus (3) years television anchoring or reporting experience required.
Training/Equipment:
Operate newsroom computer systems.
Work Environment/Physical Requirements: High stress environment with deadline pressures. Some travel will be required. Position requires work on weekends and holidays.
NOTE: This job description contains the basic requirements for the position and is NOT intended to be a complete list of responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.
Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rjm5q1-3-237-178-126-42 in your application.