What's Happening?
TEGNA Inc., a media company operating 64 television stations across 51 U.S. markets, is actively recruiting a Visual Journalist & Storyteller for its ABC10 Originals team in Sacramento, California. This position is designed for a creative photojournalist
and editor with a passion for long-form storytelling, investigative journalism, documentaries, and streaming content. The successful candidate will be responsible for shooting and editing high-quality stories, ranging from general assignments to half-hour and hour-long specials, for television, digital platforms, social media, and ABC10+ streaming. The role requires collaboration with reporters, producers, and editors to develop visual storytelling strategies from concept to completion. Applicants should have at least five years of professional news, documentary, or long-form storytelling experience, with advanced proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and working knowledge of Adobe After Effects. The position also involves utilizing advanced production techniques, including drone photography, graphics, motion design, and creative lighting, and operating professional video equipment such as mirrorless and Sony FS-series cameras. The Visual Journalist will also perform advanced post-production work, including color correction, color grading, audio mixing, and visual effects.
Why It's Important?
This recruitment highlights the ongoing demand for skilled visual storytellers in the evolving media landscape, particularly within local news organizations. TEGNA's investment in its ABC10 Originals team underscores a commitment to in-depth, investigative journalism and long-form content, which is crucial for informing local communities and maintaining public trust in media. The emphasis on multi-platform content creation—spanning television, digital, and streaming—reflects the industry's adaptation to changing consumer habits and the need to reach diverse audiences through various channels. For Sacramento, this means continued production of impactful local journalism, including investigations and documentaries, which have historically garnered national recognition. The role's requirements for advanced technical skills, such as drone certification and proficiency in professional editing software, indicate a trend towards higher production values and innovative storytelling methods in local news, aiming to deliver more engaging and visually compelling narratives to viewers.
What's Next?
The hiring process for the Visual Journalist & Storyteller position will continue, with TEGNA evaluating candidates based on their experience in visual storytelling, technical proficiency, and collaborative abilities. Once filled, the new Visual Journalist will contribute to ABC10 Originals' ongoing projects, which include investigative reports, documentaries, and streaming specials. This will likely lead to the production of more impactful and visually rich content for the Sacramento community and beyond. The team's continued focus on long-form journalism suggests that viewers can anticipate in-depth coverage of local issues, potentially leading to increased engagement and awareness. The integration of advanced production techniques, such as drone photography and motion design, will likely enhance the quality and appeal of future broadcasts and digital content, further solidifying ABC10's position in local news and streaming services.
Beyond the Headlines
The demand for a Visual Journalist with advanced skills in a local news setting reflects a broader industry shift towards more sophisticated and visually driven content. As traditional news consumption declines, media organizations like TEGNA are investing in high-quality, narrative-driven journalism to capture and retain audiences across multiple platforms. This trend underscores the increasing importance of visual literacy and technical expertise in modern journalism, moving beyond simple reporting to encompass cinematic storytelling and immersive experiences. The focus on investigative and documentary-style projects also highlights the enduring value of in-depth journalism in holding power accountable and informing public discourse, even as the media landscape becomes more fragmented. This strategic hiring decision by TEGNA could set a precedent for other local news outlets, encouraging them to invest in similar roles and advanced production capabilities to remain competitive and relevant in the digital age.
