PART-TIME JONESBOROUGH REPORTER
Johnson City Press | Six Rivers Media
The Johnson City Press is looking for a curious, enterprising journalist to cover Jonesborough and the surrounding community as a part-time reporter.
This is an opportunity to become the eyes and ears of one of Northeast Tennessee's most distinctive communities while helping build the Johnson City Press' coverage of Washington County.
We are looking for someone who understands that community journalism is more than covering meetings and community events. The right reporter will find stories, ask questions, develop sources and tell readers what is happening in their community and why it matters.
What you'll cover
Jonesborough town government, including Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings
Development, planning, zoning and growth
Schools and education -Public safety and courts
Business and economic development
Local government decisions and their impact on residents
Community organizations and civic issues
Festivals, arts, tourism and other events when they have genuine news value
Features and enterprise stories that help readers understand the community
Breaking news and developing stories
Stories that originate from reader tips, public records and the reporter's own reporting
The reporter will also be expected to look beyond the obvious story. A meeting agenda may produce a story, but the reporter should also be asking: What does this mean for people who live here? What isn't being discussed? What should readers know next?
What we're looking for:
Curious and comfortable asking questions
Strong writers who can produce clean, accurate copy
Comfortable interviewing people and developing sources
Able to work independently and manage deadlines
Interested in local government and public affairs
Comfortable attending evening meetings when necessary
Able to recognize the difference between a press release and a story
Willing to pursue follow-ups rather than simply moving on to the next assignment
Comfortable working in a digital-first newsroom
Interested in using social media and other digital tools to help reach readers
Able to take photographs or produce basic multimedia content when appropriate
Previous professional journalism experience is preferred, but we will consider strong candidates who are early in their journalism careers. College journalism or communications experience is helpful but not necessarily required for the right candidate.
This is a reporting job
We want someone who wants to report. That means developing sources, attending public meetings, reviewing documents and public records, asking difficult questions when necessary, finding people affected by decisions and pursuing stories that aren't handed to us.
Community involvement is important, but the job is not simply about promoting Jonesborough or highlighting positive community events. The Johnson City Press is committed to independent journalism that serves readers.
AI and journalism
The Johnson City Press recognizes that AI tools can assist journalists with research, organization and other newsroom tasks. Reporters are expected to use AI responsibly and in accordance with company and newsroom policies.
AI does not replace reporting
Original reporting, interviews, source development, fact-checking, verification and the final journalistic judgment must come from the reporter. Candidates should be comfortable learning new technology while understanding the ethical and editorial responsibilities that come with using it.
Schedule
This is a part-time position, with a flexible schedule built around the needs of the Jonesborough beat. It would be centered around a 24-hour work week.
The position will require some daytime availability as well as occasional evenings for government meetings and other important events.
Why the Jonesborough beat?
Jonesborough is Tennessee's oldest town and a community with a strong identity, active local government, growing development pressures, tourism, business activity and a rich cultural life.
It also is an important part of the Johnson City Press' Washington County readership. The reporter in this position will have the opportunity to build a beat, develop a source network and establish a recognizable presence in the community.
If you are the kind of journalist who sees a town council agenda and immediately starts wondering what questions need to be asked, we'd like to hear from you.
The Johnson City Press is an equal opportunity employer.
