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County Politics & Business Reporter
Tell the Stories That Matter Most to Midland, Michigan
Your work can make a real difference at the Midland Daily News. In a smaller market, local journalism is personal. It's about more than headlines - we are writing the first draft of history every day. Our mission is to help keep the community stay informed, feel connected, and understand the people and issues shaping our lives.
At Hearst Newspapers, we're looking for a curious, driven storyteller who wants to do meaningful work in a place where strong journalism truly matters. This is an opportunity to be at the center of a community's conversations - covering breaking news, uncovering important stories, and building trust with the people you serve.
If you're energized by local reporting, excited to be part of a collaborative newsroom, and motivated by the idea of making a visible impact, we want to hear from you.
Digital storytelling
The Midland Daily News is the 2024 Michigan Press Association Class C Newspaper of the Year. We cover stories in the Great Lakes Bay Region with a specific focus on Midland County.
At the Daily News, we believe journalism is public service. We believe that journalism has the power to influence a community to become the best version of itself and must serve as a watchdog to make sure that any promises made are fulfilled honestly and equitably.
We believe that in our community every person's voice should be heard, and journalism, when done well, helps give a voice to those who otherwise would remain unheard without us.
As a digital storyteller, you'll cover the stories, people, and issues that matter most in our community. You'll report on breaking news, attend meetings and events, build local sources, and develop enterprise stories that add depth and accountability.
In a smaller market, this role is both important and highly visible. You won't just be filing stories - you'll be helping readers understand what's happening around them and why it matters. You will monitor county politics and how decisions affect taxpayers. You will report on local businesses and the emerging issues that challenge them such as talent attraction, transportation, and retaining their workforce.
This is a hands-on role for someone who is naturally curious, comfortable working in a fast-moving environment, and excited to be deeply connected to the community they cover.
What You'll Do
Cover the community with urgency and purpose

• Report on breaking news, local developments, and key community issues
• Attend meetings, events, and public forums to stay close to the story
• Write quickly and clearly for digital and print platforms

Develop strong, meaningful local coverage

• Build relationships with sources across the community
• Identify stories that reflect the concerns, values, and character of the region
• Produce enterprise stories that go beyond the daily headline, including strong visuals and vertical video

Help strengthen the local news report

• Collaborate with editors, photographers, and other newsroom teammates
• Contribute story ideas and bring energy to daily coverage planning
• Use digital tools, social media, and audience insights to better reach readers

What You Bring

• Reporting experience in a newsroom, publication, or relevant media setting
• Strong writing, interviewing, and newsgathering skills
• Good news judgment and the ability to work under deadline
• Curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in local communities
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to jump in where needed
• The ability to work independently while still getting the job done
• Comfort with digital storytelling and audience-focused journalism

You ask good questions.
You build trust.
You understand that local stories can have lasting impact.
Your reporting can inform residents, spotlight issues that deserve attention, and help people feel more connected to where they live. This is a chance to do journalism that is seen, felt, and valued - and to grow your career in a role where your work has everyday relevance.
Our Commitment to You
At Hearst Newspapers, we support our employees through professional development and comprehensive wellbeing benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Competitive retirement plan with matching
• Generous paid time off and paid parental leave
• Dependent care reimbursement
• Mental wellness support
• Inclusive healthcare benefits
• Pet wellness reimbursement

Apply
Ready to tell stories that matter where it matters most? Submit your resume, cover letter, and writing samples.
Your next story starts here.
About Hearst Newspapers:
With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories-growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms-to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.
Be a part of something bigger-Your Headline Awaits
About The Midland Daily News
The Midland Daily News, a subsidiary of Hearst, is a daily newspaper that serves Midland County, Michigan. The offices for the paper are located at 219 East Main Street in downtown Midland; the paper is widely circulated around Midland County and covers the entire Great Lakes Bay Region. Contact Editor Dave Clark at david.clark@hearst.com for further information.