Sports Reporter

The Brainerd Dispatch has been delivering trusted local news to Brainerd, Minnesota, and the surrounding communities since 1896. Known for quality reporting that reflects the people and the stories of the region, the Dispatch earned first-place honors in multiple categories from the Minnesota Newspaper Association in 2024, including General Excellence, Best Magazine, and Best Advertisement — a testament to the newsroom’s creativity, impact, and connection to its readers.

Brainerd is a welcoming community with a strong local economy and a quality of life that blends small-town charm with big-community amenities. Serving as a regional hub in central Minnesota, the area offers a diverse business environment, thriving downtown, and access to healthcare, education, and cultural events. Outdoor recreation (including drag racing at the Brainerd International Raceway), arts and culture, local festivals, and a lively restaurant and retail scene add to the community’s appeal, while nearby lakes and trails offer easy weekend escapes.

The Brainerd Dispatch is part of Forum Communications Company, a fifth-generation, family-owned media organization with more than 20 publications across the Upper Midwest, collectively delivering local news to over 5 million readers every month.

About the Role

A Sports Reporter is responsible for news gathering within the sports department, with a focus on building a loyal, engaged audience on each unique publishing platform.

Responsibilities

• Research, report, and write compelling stories on assigned teams, games, athletes, and sports-related topics
• Provide consistent coverage of high school and college athletics, including game recaps, previews, and feature stories
• Respond quickly to breaking news by gathering information, writing stories, and producing photos or multimedia content under tight deadlines
• Publish content efficiently and accurately using digital content management systems and website platforms
• Collaborate with editors, photographers, and others across departments and locations to produce high-quality, cohesive coverage
• Contribute to broader sports and outdoors coverage as needed, adapting to seasonal and regional priorities
• Maintain strong news judgment and uphold journalistic integrity, accuracy, and AP style standards
• Build relationships with coaches, athletes, and community members to support ongoing coverage and source development
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance

Pay

Expected compensation for this role is $14.42 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours