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General Assignment Reporter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hearst Newspapers

Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst Newspapers

Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst Television

Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst

Reporter

Salinas, CA

$50K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst Newspapers

Reporter

Salinas, CA

$50K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst

Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

dot.LA

Entertainment Tech Reporter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are looking for an experienced Entertainment Reporter to cover the intersection of Hollywood and technology. Southern California is home to a new wave of technology and talent that's upending the ...

Hearst

Reporter

Salinas, CA

$50K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst

Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst Television

Local News Reporter

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You will be a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst Newspapers

Local News Reporter

Sacramento, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

You will be a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst Newspapers

Local News Reporter

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You will be a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

Hearst

Local News Reporter

Sacramento, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

You will be a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts.

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All JobsGeneral Assignment Reporter JobsGeneral Assignment Reporter Jobs in California

General Assignment Reporter information

See California salary details

$14.8K

$41.8K

$76.5K

How much do general assignment reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for general assignment reporter in California is $41,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,600.00 and $48,900.00 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.
More about General Assignment Reporter jobs
What cities in California are hiring for General Assignment Reporter jobs? Cities in California with the most General Assignment Reporter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to General Assignment Reporter jobs in CA? For General Assignment Reporter jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
General Assignment Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various General Assignment Reporter job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,823 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Reporter

Hearst Newspapers

Salinas, CA • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

KSBW 8 (NBC) / Central Coast ABC / Estrella TV Costa Central, part of Hearst Television, is looking for a Reporter that has the ability to generate story ideas, write to video, and do compelling live shots. We are looking for a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts. You are someone who can bring the energy of live reporting to our anchor desk. In addition to credibility, poise, and personality; you aren't afraid to head out into the field and break the big stories. We are looking for this market's next leader who isn't afraid to ask the tough questions, and will hold those in power accountable. We are looking for a versatile, enterprising self-starter who is fast, efficient, works well under tight deadlines, can develop sources, and has excellent live reporting skills. The role reports to the Managing Editor.

Responsibilities:

  • Works with and guides reporters and producers in newscast production
  • Regularly plans, gathers and assembles stories on day-of news or special project assignments
  • Works with or without a photographer to gather and edit compelling video and captivating sound
  • Coordinates with news managers and producers to develop stories that go beyond surface details, that accentuate unique enterprise angles, and have exclusive content
  • Develops a network of sources who provide tips, early access to information, and allow the reporter to break stories of significance.
  • Will contribute pictures, video and text updates to mobile platforms consistently throughout the day
  • Can juggle multiple stories and projects at once, demonstrates exceptional time-management skills by meeting all deadlines under extraordinary pressure.
  • Unwavering journalistic integrity and ethical standards
  • In-person attendance is required

Requirements:

  • Past reporting experience (2-5 years) required
  • Demonstrated ability to enterprise and uncover
  • Your demo reel should be indicative of your everyday work
  • Strong writing and storytelling skills
  • Ability to operate mobile transmission devices and use latest technology
  • Can work in all weather conditions and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Has a valid driver's license, can drive large vehicles over long distances, and a clear driving record
  • Ability to work varied shifts, including overnights and weekends
  • Can deal with the stresses and pressures of time-sensitive newscast production
  • Bilingual a Plus
  • Equivalent military training from Defense Information School (DINFOS) and associated experience will be considered

Please include a demo reel or link to demo.  Applicants without a demo will not be considered.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

  • Medical | Dental | Vision
  • 401(k) matching
  • Emotional Wellness Support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • LGBTQ+ Health Services
  • Additional benefits to meet you and your family's needs

The estimated base salary range for this role is between $50,000 and $55,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. 

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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