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Entry Level News Reporter Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Sports Anchor / Reporter / MMJ If you're passionate about sports, thrive on breaking stories, and ... Understands how to create content that resonates with both passionate sports fans and everyday news ...

Sports Anchor / Reporter / MMJ If you're passionate about sports, thrive on breaking stories, and ... Understands how to create content that resonates with both passionate sports fans and everyday news ...

Entry Level News Reporter information

See Tennessee salary details

$13.6K

$38.5K

$70.3K

How much do entry level news reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level news reporter in Tennessee is $38,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,000.00 and $44,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level news reporter do?

As an entry-level news reporter, your job is to report on a story assigned to you by an editor. This may involve talking with experts on TV, accessing public information sources to research a topic, writing an article, or helping senior reporters with their own projects. As an entry-level news reporter, your main job is to learn more about being a journalist. Most companies start new hires with relatively simple and straightforward assignments to help them get used to their process and editorial preferences before they start assigning truly independent work. This job requires frequent travel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level news reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level News Reporter, you need strong writing, research, and interviewing skills, usually backed by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), audio/video recording equipment, and social media platforms is typically required. Curiosity, resilience, and the ability to work under tight deadlines set outstanding reporters apart. These skills ensure timely, accurate, and engaging news coverage, building audience trust and newsroom reliability.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level news reporters in their first year on the job?

Entry-level news reporters often face challenges such as tight deadlines, learning how to quickly verify information, and adapting to the fast-paced nature of newsroom environments. They may also need to build credibility with sources and develop strong interviewing skills, all while juggling multiple assignments. Additionally, new reporters are expected to collaborate effectively with editors, photographers, and other team members to produce accurate and compelling stories.

What is the difference between Entry Level News Reporter vs Junior News Journalist?

AspectEntry Level News ReporterJunior News Journalist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, online platformsNewsrooms, media outlets, online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in newspapers, TV, online mediaOften used interchangeably with news reporter in media outlets
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Entry Level News Reporters and Junior News Journalists typically require a bachelor's degree in journalism or related fields. They work in similar environments such as newsrooms and media outlets, often performing comparable tasks like reporting, interviewing, and writing news stories. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on the employer. Overall, they represent entry-level roles in journalism with similar responsibilities and qualifications.

Is journalism a declining field?

Journalism, including entry-level news reporting, has experienced shifts due to digital media and changing consumer habits, leading to some declines in traditional print roles. However, opportunities are growing in digital platforms, multimedia reporting, and online news outlets that require skills in social media, video, and data journalism.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level News Reporter jobs in Tennessee?

For Entry Level News Reporter jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level News Reporter jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level News Reporter jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level News Reporter job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,463 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Sports Anchor

Digital Remedy

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Sports Anchor / Reporter / MMJ

If you're passionate about sports, thrive on breaking stories, and know how to connect with audiences beyond the final score, WZTV wants to hear from you.

We're looking for an experienced Sports Anchor/Reporter/MMJ who is equal parts storyteller, journalist, and content creator. This is an opportunity to cover everything from the big games and marquee athletes to the compelling stories that unite communities through sports. If you love enterprise reporting, can own a story from pitch to air, and are energized by creating content across multiple platforms, you'll fit right in.

In this role, you'll:

  • Anchor and report on sports across newscasts and digital platforms.
  • Produce compelling daily content for broadcast, online, and social media.
  • Develop original story ideas that go beyond highlights and scores.
  • Shoot, write, edit, and deliver impactful sports stories from start to finish.
  • Work collaboratively with photographers when safety or logistics require it, while regularly shooting and editing your own content.
  • Excel in a fast-paced newsroom, meeting deadlines while working a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
  •  

We're looking for someone who:

  • Is a strong writer with a sharp sense of storytelling.
  • Brings creativity, curiosity, and fresh ideas to every assignment.
  • Is a self-starter who consistently generates enterprise stories and breaks sports stories in the market.
  • Communicates effectively and collaborates well with colleagues across the newsroom.
  • Understands how to create content that resonates with both passionate sports fans and everyday news viewers.

This is not a scores-and-highlights position. We're looking for a journalist who can uncover meaningful stories, build sources, and produce memorable sports coverage that stands out.

Qualifications

  • At least 3 years of on-air anchoring experience.
  • Professional sports journalism experience in a commercial broadcast station is required; this is not an entry-level role.
  • Extensive sports knowledge and a proven ability to deliver engaging sports coverage.
  • Experience working collaboratively in a newsroom environment.
  • Strong live reporting skills and confidence covering breaking sports news.
  • Demonstrated ability to shoot and edit your own stories.
  • Podcasting experience is a plus and may strengthen your application.

In addition, include a link of your most recent work in the online application or send a non-returnable DVD to:

WZTV

Attn: Yvonne Simons, News Director

631 Mainstream Drive

Nashville, TN 37228

EEO AND INCLUSIVITY:

Sinclair is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

The life-blood of our organization is our people. We have a compelling story, a goal-oriented culture, and we take really good care of people. How good? Here is a glimpse: great benefits, open door policy, upward mobility and a strong desire to see you succeed. Ready to be part of a winning team? Let's talk.