Job Description

Sothern California News Group, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is seeking a News Assistant to join the team! MediaNews Group offers news reporting and third party advertising and marketing opportunities through its multi-platform products which include: web, mobile, tablet, and print. We are one of the largest media groups in the U.S., serving high-value audiences and connecting advertisers to them. MNG publishes award-winning content (49 Pulitzers) that amasses and engages a nationwide audience via 800 multi-media platforms including web, mobile, social, and print. We are transforming the news industry.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the production of stories and spend time with the team covering a variety of topics, from breaking news to community events.

• Manage content including stories and photos at the direction of a supervising editor to make them ready for digital and print platforms.

• Produce briefs, letters to the editor and short stories at the direction of a supervising editor from a variety of sources including press releases, social media posts, etc.

• Maintain communication with a supervising editor and the production hub.

• Use Google content budget documents to keep everyone informed about plans and progress.

• Understand and use company-provided hardware, software and cloud-based equipment and systems for company business and tasks.

• Contribute to a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration.

Competencies & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or equivalent experience.

• Must have reliable transportation.

• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills.

• Understand the imperatives of emerging and existing platforms, including web, mobile and print.

• Beat production deadlines.

• Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends and/or holiday's as well as odd hours if necessary/news requires.

• Understanding of AP Style.

• Previous copy editing experience is preferred.

• Familiarity with Adobe Suite is preferred.

• Multitasking and organizational skills are key.

Travel

• 50%.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment and at the Company and client sites for business meetings and presentations. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Travelling to onsite interviews and events for story coverage is also necessary and can include various environments.

• This position may be a permanent remote position

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms and requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies up to 30 pounds.

Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.