City Government Reporter

Six Rivers Media, a family-owned newspaper company in East Tennessee, is looking for an ambitious City Government Reporter.

Job Summary: 

The Johnson City Press, a daily newspaper with Six Rivers Media, is looking for a general assignment reporter with an emphasis on local government coverage. The reporter will have the experience and drive to cover the city of Johnson City. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, the area is a fast-growing community with plenty of reporting potential in municipal government.

While local government coverage is the emphasis, we also value reporters who will help other beat reporters in an instant and have a team-first attitude. We are looking for a reporter who will follow the news, wherever that may lead them.

Key Responsibilities: 

·      Attend local city board meetings and workshops

·      Make connections with city officials and develop sources with city officials, as well as stakeholders

·      Dig into public records and keep an eye out on expenditures, aka “follow the money”

·      Keep abreast of the latest trends in education – statewide and national

·      Write a variety of feature stories from profiles of local leaders to news features focusing on key issues

·      Have an investigative mindset to dig into the issues and give readers more in-depth coverage 

·      Shoot photos and video and also develop graphic or ideas for graphics

·      Have a strong sense of social media in order to grow the newspaper’s presence

·      Have a strong willingness for mentoring and to grow as a reporter and writer

Qualifications & Skills: 

·      Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications or a related field. 

·      2+ years of reporting experience, preferably covering local government. 

·      Strong writing and reporting skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly. 

·      Deadline-driven mindset, capable of producing accurate and compelling stories under pressure. 

·      Experience filing public records requests and working with data journalism. 

·      Ability to work independently while collaborating with editors and newsroom colleagues. 

·      Familiarity with AP style and journalistic ethics. 

Why Join Us? 

·      Opportunity to make an impact by reporting on issues that shape Tennessee's future. 

·      Work with a dedicated, community-driven newsroom.

·      Company provided laptop and monitor.

·      Competitive salary and benefits package. 

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three to five clips showcasing their government-themed or investigative reporting work to Cliff Hightower chightower@sixriversmedia.com  

Deadline to apply: Aug. 15, 2025