Job Description

The News Anchor serves as the primary presenter of news stories and other content for all platforms in a manner that is clear, engaging and meaningful to news consumers.

WLNS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Lansing, is looking for someone to anchor newscasts and help take the station’s ratings to new heights.

This is not just a desk job. You will have a weekly franchise piece, a weekly interview show for our digital channel (WLNS+), and put together other special reports and stories as needed. We’re also looking with someone who has reporting chops – preferably with a background in investigative and/or beat reporting. We’ll be counting on you to make connections with sources as well as viewers and lead the newscasts as well as anchor them.

A degree in journalism or a related field is required. So is significant newsroom experience – both behind the desk and in the field. This is not an entry level job or a job for recent graduates. Excellent news judgment and superior writing skills are a must.

Besides chemistry with our existing anchors, we’re looking for someone who works well with others, who can serve as a newsroom leader, and who enjoys mentoring younger producers and reporters.

We are an award-winning station dedicated to high quality local news. We’re a state capital, we’re home to Michigan State University, and we’ve got two GM plants here – so we’re an excellent news town with lots of sports, arts, culture, and a good quality of life.

• Presents news stories and other content for all platforms.
• Ensures that all news content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality.
• Writes and delivers news stories in a clear and concise manner.
• Produces newscasts and communicates clear direction with team members.
• Assists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating news programming and other content.
• Acts as a field reporter as assigned.
• Conducts interviews with news personnel and others.
• Responds to breaking news and other urgent newsrooms situations as required.
• Participates in promotional activities including public appearances.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Edits video clips as assigned.
• Writes content for the website and other eMedia platforms.
• Interacts with viewers/users on social media sites.

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
• Fluency in English.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required.
• Superior on-air presence.
• Excellent news judgment with an expansive knowledge of local and national current events, history, newsmakers and issues.
• Experience guiding, directing and motivating others.
• Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively listen to fully understand problems and communicate with a team to shape a solution.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Flexibility to work any shift.