Western Nebraska News Director
Description
Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner?
Eagle Communications is seeking a Western Nebraska News Director to lead local newsgathering, reporting and publishing across our Western Nebraska radio stations and digital news platforms. We are looking for a journalist who values local storytelling, understands the responsibility of serving communities with accurate and timely news, and enjoys building relationships with the people and organizations that shape those communities.
This regional position supports Panhandle Post (Alliance and Chadron), North Platte Post (North Platte area) and Sandhills Post (Keith County region), while preparing and delivering on-air newscasts for nine radio stations across Western Nebraska. Regular travel between markets is required to cover news, attend events and engage with community leaders. The news director will collaborate closely with market and operations managers, marketing consultants, programmers and video teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead consistent, accurate and timely local news coverage across the Alliance/Chadron, North Platte and Keith County coverage areas.
- Research, write, produce and deliver on-air local newscasts for nine Western Nebraska radio stations, adapting coverage to the communities served.
- Report, edit and publish written, photo, video and audio content for Panhandle Post, North Platte Post and Sandhills Post.
- Travel regularly between markets to cover breaking news, local government, schools, businesses, community events and other stories of regional interest.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with elected officials, community leaders, schools, law enforcement, local organizations and residents throughout the coverage area.
- Attend city council, county commission and other public or community meetings as news priorities require.
- Coordinate timely severe weather and emergency news coverage across the region, including on-air and digital updates.
- Help maintain and grow the social media presence of all three Post sites, including appropriate audience engagement.
- Collaborate with on-air and digital colleagues to strengthen storytelling, programming and cross-market coordination.
- Provide on-air talent and support for live broadcasts and client or community events as assigned.
- Manage reporting priorities and deadlines to balance regional coverage with the distinct needs of each local market.
Experience and Qualifications
- News writing, reporting and on-air broadcasting experience preferred; photography and video skills are a plus.
- Strong communication, interviewing, writing, editorial judgment and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to learn Eagle’s content management system.
- Radio production knowledge preferred.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines and collaborate across geographically separated teams.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout Western Nebraska; valid driver’s license required.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is commensurate with experience, along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Other Information
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an employee-owned company and an EEO employer.