POLITICAL ANCHOR/MMJ - KOTA/KEVN

About Gray Media:

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 46 markets and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About KOTA/KEVN:

KOTA/KEVN in Rapid City is a station deeply rooted in the community and committed to local journalism. If you're someone who wants to help us inform, educate, and entertain our audiences across broadcast and digital platforms, then send your resume to us right away.

Take this opportunity to build your career in a place where people come from all over the world to enjoy.

Job Summary/Description:

You will host a digital talk show at least once a week featuring politicians from across South Dakota. You'll also be required to have a story ready to air on our broadcast channels every day. We are looking for a self-starter with a proven track record in covering state politics and developing relationships with lawmakers and key staff.  We are looking for a journalist who can dive into the data and tell impactful stories that hold elected officials and state agencies accountable. This journalist must have the ability to show how these stories impact our viewers. Coverage will be on-air, live or taped, and on digital platforms.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

- Works with news directors and assignment desks to determine, plan, and staff all important stories of state-wide politics
- Must be able to develop and maintain a network of sources and experts at all state agencies and with all political parties
- Must have the ability, during election years, to travel throughout the state with candidates for races selected in collaboration with the supervising news director
- Understand open records and FOIA laws and the ability to file regular requests (at least weekly), as well as manage and oversee them
- Must have strong research skills, be organized and well-versed in keeping track of legislation, and quickly be able to summarize and explain it to viewers in a conversational manner
- Be able to enterprise daily story ideas with statewide interest, even when lawmakers aren't in session
- Must have the ability to be a digital-first MMJ. Be able to stream news conferences for all involved stations, report on breaking news, and quickly turn web and social stories daily
- Must have excellent news judgment and journalism ethics
- Must have strong writing, storytelling, and reporting skills
- Must have the ability to shoot and edit your own stories, and the ability to go live
- Excellent live reporting skills required, ability to ad-lib during breaking news
- While primarily a dayside Monday-Friday position, must be willing to work longer hours and different days based on legislative sessions and breaking news

Qualifications/Requirements:

- Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or a related field
- Basic experience with newsroom computer systems is preferred (ENPS)
- Understanding of and adherence to AP Style (for digital platforms) and broadcast writing (for television).
- Responsible for maintaining assigned gear and driving a company vehicle
- Ability to operate a field camera, editing, and lighting equipment
- Proficient in TVU technology & other mobile news gathering, including use of GoPros, TVU Anywhere App, editing, and sending back video/packages from the field
- Ability to lift/carry equipment ranging from 35-50 lbs.
- Must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record
- Ability to represent the station professionally/responsibly in the community and newsroom, and on social media
- Must have a desire to win, the ability to reflect on your work, and apply feedback

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people,  go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, you may type in the job title, station call letters, or click on "apply now", upload your resume, cover letter, and references

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal)

KOTA/KEVN-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.