News Reporter

The Crestview News Bulletin is an award-winning community newspaper serving north Okaloosa County, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our readers rely on us for accurate, fair and responsible reporting to help them make everyday decisions about their lives and their community.

Last year, the Florida Press Association named the Crestview News Bulletin the best newspaper in the state. Four years ago, the paper was acquired by a community-minded Northwest Florida owner who believes deeply in strong local journalism. Today, we are growing and looking for an energetic, curious reporter to deliver top-notch local coverage to north Okaloosa County residents.

Another newspaper owned by the same publisher has earned “best in the state” honors seven times and is followed nationally by journalists and publishing companies for its innovative approach. Many of its ideas have been adopted by weeklies and major daily newspapers across the country. We don’t chase trends — we set them. As one judge from Pennsylvania put it: “If all newspapers looked (and read) like this one, there would be no more talk of newspapers dying.”

This position covers a mix of government, hard news and features, and requires the ability to switch gears quickly. You must be a clean, confident writer who pitches original enterprise and investigative ideas and is not afraid to take on in-depth packages.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, committed to watchdog journalism and comfortable working under tight deadlines. You should be able to jump on breaking news for both print and digital platforms while managing planned coverage and longer-term enterprise projects. Persistence matters here — cultivating sources and uncovering stories that matter to readers is a core part of the job.

We’re looking for a proactive reporter who wants to become part of the community, not just cover it. Our reporters are hardworking, self-motivated and expected to write beyond meeting coverage and standard profiles. Some night and weekend work is required.

Recent journalism graduates will be considered, particularly those who have completed an internship at a daily or weekly newspaper and can provide strong writing samples.

We do not use ChatGPT or other AI to write.

Experience with InDesign, web publishing and video is a plus.

Experience:

• Reporting: 1 year

Schedule:

• Day Shift

Benefits Offered:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

This Job Is Ideal for Someone Who Is:

• Dependable — more reliable than spontaneous
• People-oriented — enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects
• Adaptable/flexible — enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction
• Detail-oriented — would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture
• Achievement-oriented — enjoys taking on challenges, even if they might fail
• Autonomous/Independent — enjoys working with little direction
• Innovative — prefers working in unconventional ways or on tasks that require creativity
• High-stress tolerance — thrives in a high-pressure environment

This Job Is:

• A job for which military-experienced candidates are encouraged to apply
• Open to applicants who do not have a college diploma

Benefits:

Job Type: Full-time Number of hires for this role: 1 Pay: $17-$19 per hour

Available Benefits: Dental, Vision, Matching 401k after two years, and more

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply
• Only full-time employees are eligible

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Journalism: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person