Reporter

Prairie Mountain Media, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is a publishing company with a multimedia portfolio of print, niche, and digital products, delivering award-winning coverage and in-demand multimedia products to high-value audiences in Colorado.

About the role

We are seeking a public safety reporter to cover police and fire departments, courts, and general assignment/breaking news for both web and print editions of the Longmont Times-Call. This position involves working an afternoon-to-evening shift, covering everything from scanner traffic and severe weather to late-breaking public meetings across Boulder, Larimer, and Southwest Weld counties. The ideal candidate will have a unique journalistic voice and the ability to cultivate a strong online and community audience. Must live in the Boulder County area or be willing to relocate (no relocation assistance offered).

Responsibilities

• Cover police and fire departments, courts, and general assignment/breaking news for both web and print editions
• Cultivate a loyal audience and develop a social media presence to become the go-to person for public safety news
• Write news in both daily and enterprise story formats
• Utilize social media and search engine optimization (SEO) to enhance content reach
• Cultivate fresh ideas for the Times-Call and its sister newspapers
• Work well under deadline pressure and contribute to a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration
• Experiment with new digital tools and platforms
• File 3–4 rapid-fire digital briefs on busy nights or dig into enterprise coverage when the beat is quiet

Requirements

• 1–2 years of experience as a reporter at a daily newspaper or online news outlet
• Mastery of AP Style
• A degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience
• Relevant experience in news reporting and writing, using social media, and creating enterprising content
• Strong storytelling abilities and a unique journalistic voice
• Proficiency in social media and search engine optimization (SEO)
• Must live in the Boulder County area or be willing to relocate
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation
• Must be available for shift work, including coverage outside of normal business hours

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off and select paid holidays (eligibility-based)

Pay

The hourly range is $18.00 - $19.00, plus mileage reimbursement and a cell phone stipend.

Schedule

Afternoon-to-evening shift, hybrid work arrangement.

Conditions of employment include a full pre-employment background check and MVR, and occasional driving for work assignments, in-person training sessions, or meetings.