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Reporter - Harrisburg Area at Hearst in Harrisburg, PA
Job Description
Reporter - Harrisburg Area
Location: Harrisburg, PA, United States
WGAL News 8, the Hearst-owned NBC affiliate serving Pennsylvania's Susquehanna Valley, is looking for a dynamic Reporter to own coverage of Dauphin and Cumberland counties—the political, economic, and cultural heart of our region.
Based in our Harrisburg newsroom, this reporter will be steps away from the Pennsylvania State Capitol while also serving the communities themselves. We're looking for a journalist who will become the newsroom's expert on region by developing deep relationships, cultivating exclusive sources, and uncovering stories that matter before anyone else. From the State Capitol and local government to major employers, education, public safety, and the issues shaping our rapidly growing region, this reporter will deliver meaningful journalism that informs and impacts our viewers.
The successful candidate thrives in breaking news but also has the curiosity and initiative to consistently enterprise stories that lead newscasts and generate conversation across television, digital, streaming, and social platforms. We value journalists who think beyond the day's headlines, embrace innovative storytelling, and collaborate with photographers, producers, and digital teams to create compelling, multiplatform content.
Our next reporter is a self-starter who can build trust in the communities they cover, produce memorable live shots, write conversationally, work efficiently under deadline, and represent WGAL with professionalism and integrity.
Job Responsibilities
- Serve as WGAL's primary general assignment reporter for Dauphin and Cumberland counties, developing expertise on the people, issues, and institutions that shape the region.
- Build and maintain a strong network of community leaders, public officials, first responders, educators, and other key sources to generate exclusive and enterprise story ideas.
- Identify stories before they become headlines and consistently produce original, impactful journalism.
- Work closely with photographers to create visually compelling storytelling for all platforms that stands out in the market.
- Produce engaging, creative live shots and vertical videos that add value and context.
- Write for broadcast with strong conversational storytelling and compelling teases.
- Publish stories, video, and updates to WGAL.com and social media platforms throughout the day.
- Coordinate with news managers and producers to develop stories that go beyond surface details and provide context, accountability, and exclusive reporting.
- Balance multiple assignments while consistently meeting deadlines.
- Occasionally operate MMJ camera equipment and edit using Adobe Premiere.
- Maintain the highest standards of journalistic ethics, fairness, and accuracy.
Required Skills
- 2-3 years of reporting experience preferred.
- Proven ability to enterprise stories and cultivate meaningful community sources.
- Strong live reporting, writing, and storytelling skills.
- Expert grasp of social media and multiplatform storytelling skills.
- Demonstrated ability to break news and thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
- MMJ experience preferred.
- Bilingual skills are a plus.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work varied shifts, including breaking news coverage.
- Calm under pressure with excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Education
- Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
- Hearst Television is a proud supporter of military veterans. Related military/DINFOS training and experience will be considered.
Values in Action
At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.
Benefits
Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.
- Medical | Dental | Vision
- 401(k) matching
- Emotional Wellness Support
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- LGBTQ+ Health Services
- Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.