KWTV State Government Reporter

A State Government Reporter at Griffin Media helps drive the Ideal Team Player culture.

We are looking for a journalist who goes beyond the Capitol to explain how government decisions affect everyday Oklahomans. During the legislative session, you'll lead coverage of the Legislature, state government and public policy. Throughout the year, you'll produce enterprise and investigative reporting on issues of statewide importance, including elections, accountability and the people impacted by decisions made at the Capitol.

Job Summary: As Griffin Media's State Government Reporter, your beat is Oklahoma state government, but your focus is Oklahomans. You'll shoot, write, and edit your own stories, covering the legislature and statewide policy with an emphasis on the people, communities, and businesses affected by it, going beyond the Capitol building to show why these stories matter. Whether during session or year-round, you'll pursue original enterprise and accountability journalism on public policy, elections, and issues of statewide significance. You'll collaborate closely with News 9, News On 6, and the statewide digital team to deliver this coverage across television, streaming, digital, and social platforms, and pitch in on general assignment and anchor duties as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

• During the Legislative Session
  • Report daily on legislative and state government stories that have a meaningful impact on Oklahomans, shooting, writing, and editing your own stories on tight deadlines. A photographer will be provided when necessary, at news management discretion. 
  • Place a strong emphasis on getting beyond the Capitol by telling the stories of the people, communities, and businesses affected by legislation, not just reporting what happened inside the building.
  • Develop enterprise stories that provide context, accountability, and explain how state policy affects everyday life.
• Outside the Legislative Session
  • Report daily on stories of statewide significance, including state government, public policy, elections, accountability journalism, and investigative projects, shooting, writing, and editing your own content.
  • Pursue original enterprise stories that matter to audiences across Oklahoma, regardless of geography.
• Live Coverage & Collaboration
  • Provide live coverage of significant state government developments, elections, and major announcements, operating live broadcasting equipment and setting up live shots independently as needed.
  • Collaborate with News 9, News On 6, and the statewide digital team to create content across television, streaming, digital, and social platforms.
  • Contribute to statewide political debates, election coverage, and special programming.
• General Assignment & Anchor Support
  • Assist with local general assignment reporting in Oklahoma City when needed, including breaking news and major news events.
  • Serve as a fill-in anchor as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including driving an automobile for company business.

Job Schedule: This is a full-time position primarily working 40 hours per week. You may also be called upon at times to fill in other hours and days of the week to help cover vacations, illnesses, breaking news, severe weather, or special projects/events. This position is not eligible to work remotely.

Essential Qualities:

• Humble: A habit of sharing successes, putting the team first, and working for the good of the team. A "we" not "me" attitude. The ability to give and receive constructive criticism. Observe and employ the Golden Rule.
• Hungry: Exhibit a strong work ethic, drive, and willingness to take initiative.
• Smart (People Smart): The virtue of being interpersonally smart about the interactions and relationships of those you encounter.
• Positive Attitude: Exhibited by focusing on opportunities not problems, see the glass as half-full not half-empty.
• Sense of Urgency: How we react and respond.

Skills and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or related field preferred. Related experience will be evaluated and may be substituted as years of education.
• Two to four years of experience in television news, enterprise or investigative reporting, or a similar multimedia journalism role preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Oklahoma state government, the legislative process, and the statewide political landscape, with demonstrated ability to develop original enterprise and accountability stories that show why these issues matter to everyday Oklahomans.
• Proficiency shooting, writing, and editing your own multimedia stories on tight deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain source relationships across party lines while upholding journalistic integrity.
• Excellent on-camera presence and strong written and verbal communication skills; anchoring experience a plus. Link of work sample required.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid Oklahoma driver's license and have a driving record acceptable to the company.
• Ability to perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Capable of handling the physical and mental requirements including:
  • Ability to verbally communicate in English.
  • Ability to read computer monitor information (words and data).
  • Ability to hear detailed spoken word.
  • Ability to remain sedentary and to travel to work location.
  • Ability to perform manual dexterity tasks with hands, fingers.
  • Ability to analyze data, concentrate, reason, and write.
  • Ability to perform under emotional stress.
  • Ability to lift 10 pounds unaided.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts and be on 24-hour call.

Please note 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.