News Desk Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Gray Media:

Gray Media, or Gray, is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 77 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second-highest-rated television station, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 45 markets totaling nearly 1.5 million Hispanic TV Households. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WSAW:

WSAW is Wausau's first TV station, debuting 71 years ago in 1954. Together, WSAW/WZAW produce more than 30 hours of news each week. We work hard and celebrate our wins. In 2025, the news team was recognized as the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association "News Operation of the Year" and also small market "Station of the Year" (for coverage airing in 2024). Also in 2025, WSAW's podcast "Forgotten: Wisconsin Cold Cases" was honored with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for the second-straight year.

North central Wisconsin is known as the "Crossroads of Commerce." Wausau is centrally located within 3 hours or less of Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Green Bay; and is just a two-hour drive from Madison, the state's capital city. In Wausau, you will live and work where thousands of people come to vacation each year. Whether you're skiing down the slopes of Granite Peak, boating on Lake Du Bay, or enjoying Concerts on the Square or a show at the Grand Theater in downtown Wausau, there's something for everyone, and you will enjoy the community we serve.

Job Summary/Description:

WSAW/WZAW, the Gray Media-owned CBS and FOX affiliate in north central Wisconsin, has an immediate opening for a weekday News Producer who is excited to work on award-winning newscasts. Our producers create, coordinate, and showcase content that appears on-air and online. You will also be cross-trained to produce content for all of WSAW's digital platforms, including our website and streaming desk. You must be an innovator who can see the big picture, as well as someone who is a stickler for the details, writing conversationally (for TV) and with AP Style (for digital).

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- You will report to and work closely with the News Director and Executive Producer in shaping and ensuring the execution of our digital-first strategy on all platforms (website, social media, our news and weather apps, Digital Streaming Desk, and television).
- Act with urgency and immediacy. Be first and best with the story. You are expected to research and write copy daily as new information is learned and to share it on all platforms, including television, WSAW.com, and social media.
- Identify opportunities for live streaming on our website, getting live and user-generated content to our TV newscasts and streaming desk, and sending push alerts to extend the reach of our work.
- Ensure story selection and placement in your rundown fit journalistic/editorial standards, as well as WSAW/WZAW's brand pillars.
- Understand our DMA, key target audiences, and where they live.
- Produce engaging and error-free work. Pay attention to the details!
- Communicate and collaborate professionally and respectfully with your coworkers to enhance the viewer experience and understanding of content.

Qualifications/Requirements:

- We prefer a college degree in journalism or a related field.
- Must have a desire to win, a positive attitude, and the ability to reflect on your work and apply feedback.
- Strong research skills, ability to employ critical thinking skills to dig and go "beyond the press release" and confirm incoming news tips via email or social media.
- Strong time management skills are also essential. Must be able to work quickly while maintaining accuracy in your work. Must have the ability to multitask and maintain composure, especially while under deadline pressure and during breaking news.
- A strong candidate will have an established and responsible presence on digital platforms, including social media.
- Working knowledge of CMS and Digital platforms, including ARC, Social News Desk, and Google QuickPlay. Photoshop experience is a plus.
- Understanding of and adherence to AP Style.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Flexibility to work different hours and shifts (for example, to cover a coworker's time off or to assist in breaking news and specialized coverage).
- Must have a clean driving record, be able to carry 35+ pounds of gear.

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, you may type in the job title, station call letters, or click on "apply now", upload your resume, cover letter, and references

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal)

WSAW/WZAW-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.