State Government Multiplatform Journalist presso Capitol Broadcasting Company

Overview:

WRAL is seeking a versatile, enterprising and politically astute State Government Multiplatform Journalist to spearhead impactful coverage of the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Elections and other significant political and state government coverage. This journalist will contribute across all WRAL platforms—TV, digital, streaming, and social media—with a strong emphasis on accountability-driven, multimedia storytelling. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is skilled in producing end-to-end journalism: writing, shooting and editing every piece of content independently.

 Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

1. Research & Investigative Journalism
   • Conduct in-depth research and investigations into state politics and government.
   • Develop and maintain a robust network of sources, including lawmakers, lobbyists, analysts and community voices.
2. Self-Sufficient Field Reporting
   • Independently write, shoot and edit political and state government stories for all WRAL platforms, including:
     • WRAL.com
     • WRAL social media channels (e.g., X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads)
     • WRAL’s YouTube channel
     • WRAL News+ (streaming)
     • Television newscasts
3. Live & On-Camera Presentation
   • Deliver clear, confident on-camera reports, both live and recorded, from the field and studio.
   • Conduct timely interviews with newsmakers and subject matter experts in various settings.
4. Story Ideation & Development
   • Pitch creative, high-impact story ideas regularly.
   • Pursue enterprise and contextual reporting with a focus on accountability, public policy, governmental and political transparency.
5. Writing & Scripting
   • Craft compelling and fact-based scripts, articles, and digital posts tailored to platform-specific audiences.
   • Ensure accuracy, fairness, and clarity in all written and spoken content.
6. Digital & Social Engagement
   • Proactively leverage social media to share news updates, engage with viewers, and showcase the reporting process.
   • Produce multimedia content optimized for each platform’s unique format and audience.
7. Graphics & Data Visualization
   • Use graphics, charts, and data-driven visuals to make complex political and government stories digestible and transparent.
   • Incorporate visual proof of accountability (e.g., what questions were asked of officials) into storytelling.
8. Breaking News & Flexibility
   • Remain responsive to breaking political and government stories and fast-changing developments.
   • Willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet coverage demands.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a reporter, preferably with a focus on politics or government affairs.
• Demonstrated experience writing, shooting, and editing multimedia news stories independently.
• Strong editorial judgment and an investigative mindset.
• Excellent storytelling skills across all formats—video, text, social, and broadcast.
• High proficiency with:
  • Video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Edius)
  • DSLR/cinema-style cameras and mobile newsgathering tools
  • Content Management Systems (CMS) and digital publishing
• Experience filing public records requests and analyzing databases is strongly preferred.
• Comfortable using social and streaming platforms as a news distribution channel.

Ideal Candidate Attributes:

• Passion for political and government reporting with a strong sense of civic responsibility.
• Highly self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently or as part of a team.
• Committed to WRAL’s mission of accountability journalism—holding power to account and elevating underrepresented voices.
• Creative and collaborative, with a desire to continuously evolve storytelling techniques across digital and broadcast mediums.

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. 

• Extended Periods of Standing/Sitting in a stationary position as needed for writing/reporting, conducting research, or supporting the broadcasting function.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, editing equipment, microphones, and monitors.
• Lifting & Carrying Equipment: Occasionally required to lift, carry, and set up production equipment, such as cameras, tripods, and lighting gear (up to 25 lbs).
• Visual & Auditory Requirements: Strong eyesight and hearing are necessary to monitor audio levels and video/image quality.
• Mobility & Stamina: Ability to move between studios and the newsroom as needed, sometimes in fast-paced environments.
• Analytical mindset: Ability to learn quickly and stay engaged in newest tools, formats and techniques for managing newsroom content.

Work Conditions: The work conditions and characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• Primarily based in a broadcast studio, newsroom, or digital media production space.
• May require early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts depending on news cycles, production schedules, and live streaming demands.
• Tight deadlines and breaking news situations may necessitate extended hours and quick turnaround times.
• Fast-paced, high-pressure environment, especially during live broadcasts and breaking news events.
• Must be able to multitask and adapt quickly.
• Occasional fieldwork for live reporting, interviews, or event coverage, which may include outdoor settings in varying weather conditions.
• Occasional travel within our coverage area as needed for research and reporting purposes.

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Benefits package including:
  • Comprehensive health insurance plan options
  • Vision and Dental Insurance
  • Company sponsored life insurance
  • Numerous voluntary benefit options – legal plans, pet insurance, discounted home and auto and more!
  • 401K with company match
  • Generous paid time off
  • 9 paid company holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment with a supportive team culture.
• Exciting projects and growth opportunities within a leading organization.
• Opportunities to attend free local events, such as sporting events, concerts, shows, and more.

Pre-Employment Information:

• A pre-employment drug screening is required. 
• Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify. 
• Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. However, completing the WOTC questionnaire is completely voluntary. Your decision will have absolutely no impact on your hiring chances, and your application WILL be accepted regardless of whether you choose to provide this information or not.

EEO Statement:

Capitol Broadcasting Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CBC Statement:

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, and WRAL Digital in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC;