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General Assignment Reporter Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a driven Reporter to join our community-focused newsroom. This role is responsible ... Research, report, and write accurate news, feature, enterprise, and special assignment stories ...

Story selection and assignment of stories to reporters and photographers. Prepare newscast rundown ... general office equipment and computers. Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights ...

General Assignment Reporter information

See Arizona salary details

$14K

$39.5K

$72.2K

How much do general assignment reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for general assignment reporter in Arizona is $39,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,800.00 and $46,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between General Assignment Reporter vs Beat Reporter?

AspectGeneral Assignment ReporterBeat Reporter
Primary FocusCovering a wide range of topics and breaking newsSpecialized coverage of a specific beat or subject
Work EnvironmentVaried, often on short notice, covering different storiesConsistent, in-depth reporting within a specific area
CredentialsJournalism degree, reporting experienceSimilar credentials, often with expertise in the beat

Both roles require journalism skills and reporting experience, but a General Assignment Reporter covers diverse topics, while a Beat Reporter specializes in a particular area. The choice depends on whether you prefer variety or in-depth expertise in a specific field.

What does a General Assignment Reporter do?

A General Assignment Reporter is a journalist who covers a wide range of news stories rather than focusing on a specific beat, such as politics or sports. They are often sent to report on breaking news, community events, crime, human interest stories, and other topics as assigned by their editors. Their day-to-day tasks can vary greatly, requiring flexibility, strong research skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines. General Assignment Reporters must quickly gather information, conduct interviews, and write clear, accurate articles for print, online, or broadcast media.

What are some common challenges faced by General Assignment Reporters in managing diverse story topics and tight deadlines?

General Assignment Reporters often juggle multiple stories on a variety of topics, which requires quick adaptability and strong organizational skills. They typically work under tight deadlines, making it essential to prioritize tasks and efficiently gather accurate information from different sources. Balancing breaking news coverage with longer-term feature stories can be demanding, but it also offers opportunities to develop a wide-ranging skill set and build relationships across newsroom teams. Collaboration with editors, photographers, and digital teams is key to producing timely, well-rounded stories.

What Is a General Assignment Reporter?

A general assignment reporter writes about and reports on various topics for a newspaper, news website, or television station. As a general assignment reporter, the story types you are reporting on can range from human interest to breaking news. Your assignments change on a regular basis, depending on the most pressing events of the day. Your primary duties revolve around finding content for your report. A general assignment reporter job is a great way to gain experience before becoming an editor, news director, or columnist. Most general assignment reporters earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a General Assignment Reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a General Assignment Reporter, you need excellent writing, research, and interviewing skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), digital publishing tools, and multimedia equipment is often required. Strong soft skills include curiosity, adaptability, time management, and effective interpersonal communication. These abilities are crucial for producing accurate, timely, and engaging news stories in a fast-paced and ever-changing media environment.
What cities in Arizona are hiring for General Assignment Reporter jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most General Assignment Reporter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to General Assignment Reporter jobs in AZ? For General Assignment Reporter jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description

Overview:

We are seeking a driven Reporter to join our community-focused newsroom. This role is responsible for covering local news, developing story ideas, conducting interviews, capturing photos and video, and producing engaging content for both print and digital platforms. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller who is passionate about local journalism, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys building relationships within the community.


Perks:

Join a stable, growing, family-owned media organization with a long-standing commitment to local journalism
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve
Collaborative newsroom environment with opportunities to expand reporting skills
Work across multiple platforms including print, digital, photography, and social media
Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to informing and engaging local audiences

Requirements

Responsibilities:

Research, report, and write accurate news, feature, enterprise, and special assignment stories
Capture and edit photos and videos to support news coverage and storytelling efforts
Develop story ideas, stay informed on assigned coverage areas, and identify emerging community issues
Create and publish content for digital platforms, including websites and social media channels
Assist with production tasks such as writing headlines, selecting photos, and reviewing page content for accuracy
Build and maintain professional relationships with community members, sources, and stakeholders


Qualifications:

Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills
Knowledge of AP Style and journalistic standards
Ability to conduct interviews, gather information, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency with computers, digital publishing tools, photography, and basic office technology


Compensation and Benefits:

Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
Comprehensive benefits package available for eligible employees
Paid time off and company-supported professional development opportunities
Additional benefits discussed during the interview process


How to Apply:

If you are passionate about local journalism and want to help inform and engage your community, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and any relevant writing samples for consideration.


About Us: 

We are a growing, family-owned group of community news properties with roots stretching back over 140+ years. We believe local journalism matters - and we're investing in it. We are growing, stable, and mission-driven. Our properties serve loyal, engaged communities across the Southwest, and we're looking for a leader to grow our audiences across every channel.