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Heartland Media Group of Central Illinois & Eastern Missouri seeks qualified candidates to write original news content for its digital news platform, Heartland Newsfeed. The platform has regional exposure in central and southern Illinois and portions of eastern Missouri, as well as nationwide and worldwide.

Successful candidates will be able to submit content for publication and should be able to make updates to content as additional information is made available.

This remote position will pay $50 per article plus mileage if you have to travel. We request that reporters in Bond, Christian, Fayette, Macoupin, Montgomery, and Shelby counties (in Illinois) drop by our Nokomis, IL office occasionally (or as necessary).

Heartland Media Group of Central Illinois & Eastern Missouri has a coverage area of 41 counties in Illinois and 23 counties in Missouri, so reporters can cover as little or as much as they would like to adequately cover local events.

Reporters will gather community news, including local sports, that is relevant and addresses community needs and interests.

EXAMPLES OF THE WORK

  • Obtain relevant information through interviews, observations, attending events, and researching documents.
  • Write accurate, fair, timely, information-packed, and colorful stories. Know and use proper grammar, spelling, and newspaper style.
  • Select stories that reflect reader interest, both geographically and demographically, and reflect the diverse community.
  • Use multimedia to tell stories through web updates, photography, blogging, etc.
  • Develop community contacts, sources, and other knowledge of the community and its interests.
  • Edit, post/update content on the website.
  • Generate story ideas.
  • Collaborate with reporter and editor colleagues in the region to set priorities based on news and opportunities to grow an audience.
  • Shoot still photos and videos. Edit video for publication.
  • Any other projects or assignments outlined by the editorial supervisor and/or publisher.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Communication skills for the ability to gather information and write articles.
  • Ability to work with required technology and computer programs.
  • Writing skills include proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and journalism guidelines, and AP style.
  • Ability to react quickly to new developments and exercise judgment.
  • Ability to manage multiple stories and deadlines.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • A degree in journalism, communication, or in a related field of study is preferred, but it is not necessarily required.
  • Other combinations of education and experience will be considered.

This job position may develop into a full-time position as it becomes necessary with the continued growth of the company between digital and print news operations.

As Heartland Media Group of Central Illinois & Eastern Missouri continues to grow, you will play a part in nurturing the next generation in journalism by encouraging idea-sharing and collaboration in a mission to report the news the way it was meant: without the mess of a political agenda that has tarnished the media for decades.

EOE/MFDV