Executive Reporter, KERO
E.W. Scripps · Bakersfield · $90,000–$95,000 (stated in the posting)
KERO, The E.W. Scripps Company ABC station in Bakersfield, CA, is searching for an Executive Reporter to join our team. In this role, you'll be at the heart of our newsroom, driving a mission to elevate the way we connect with our community through compelling, authentic, and impactful stories. You'll inspire reporters, MMJs, and newsroom staff at every level, bringing your passion and expertise to foster a culture of continuous growth and creative excellence. If you're energized by mentoring talent and shaping the voice of a newsroom, we want to hear from you.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Lead, develop, and enhance the storytelling skill and abilities of all reporters and MMJs in the station.
- Collaborate with other newsroom leaders to consistently execute the content strategy through authentic, meaningful storytelling.
- Oversee the writing of stories for all platforms; provide timely feedback to foster continuous improvement.
- Develop and supervise effective workflow strategies and procedures for multiple news programs and outlets.
- Ensure that all content adheres to journalistic standards and ethical guidelines.
- Deliver a vision and create trust among reporters, photographers and newsroom staff.
- May provide on-air, multi-platform coverage for breaking news as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- BS/BA in related discipline preferred, or equivalent years of experience
- Generally, 7+ years of experience in related field preferred
- Valid driver's license, good driving record, and ability to provide proof of insurance with the company required insurance limits
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
- Demonstrated expertise in storytelling
- Knowledge and demonstration of editorial judgment, journalistic ethics and libel laws
- Curiosity for the community, city, state and world we report on daily
- Deep understanding of the content strategy
- Ability to work a variety of shifts including nights, weekends, early morning, and holidays
WHERE YOU'LL LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY:
Bakersfield sits at the southern end of California's San Joaquin Valley, a city with a rich cultural identity and a surprisingly vibrant lifestyle. Known worldwide as the birthplace of the Bakersfield Sound — the country music movement that launched legends like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard — the city wears its roots proudly. The iconic Buck Owens' Crystal Palace keeps that musical spirit alive, while a growing arts scene, local breweries, and a diverse and delicious food culture give the city its own modern energy.
The great outdoors is practically at your doorstep. The Kern River draws whitewater rafting enthusiasts, anglers, and hikers year-round, while Lake Isabella offers boating and camping under wide-open skies. Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park — home to some of the tallest trees on Earth — are just a couple of hours away, making weekend adventures a genuine California experience.
Bakersfield offers a quality of life that's hard to beat for the price. With a significantly lower cost of living than Los Angeles (just about two hours south), you'll find spacious housing, short commutes, and a strong sense of community. From Friday night high school football to the Bakersfield Condors hockey games at Mechanics Bank Arena, this is a city where people show up for each other — and for the stories that deserve to be told.
#LI-SM2 #LI-Onsite
COMPENSATION RANGE:
Annual Salary: $90,000.00 - $95,000Pursuant to state and local salary transparency laws, the salary range posted is specific to candidates who will perform this work in California.ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
A career path to grow your professional experiences
Full medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits
Retirement savings plan with company match
Other key company benefits include disability accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life insurance, AD&D, ID protection, pet discount program, and employee assistance program. More details about timing and conditions of benefits eligibility and other plan terms and conditions will be provided upon hire.
If you are a current Scripps employee, please do not apply on this site. Please access our internal career site at Worklife > My Info > View Open Positions at Scripps.
SCRIPPS’ COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:
At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose.
ABOUT SCRIPPS:
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.