A few times over the last three months I’ve dropped in to share updates about FingerLakes1.com, Inc.’s immense growth.
Since August 1, 2021 our website has been visited more than 191 million times boasting more than 39 million individual users. We have become so much more than just a local news organization serving residents in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Southern Tier.
That said, our growth and success has allowed us to think outside the box when it comes to ‘local’ news. What is local news? What does a local news product look like in the post-pandemic digital world?
It looks vastly different than it did five years ago, and even more different than a decade ago. With the rise of social platforms like TikTok- even the prospect of telling stories through video has changed dramatically.
So, what’s the deal?
We’re growing and looking for a multimedia journalist who thrives in digital. We’re talking video, audio, social, and everything in-between. Forget the video packages you see on the evening news, or the prospect of standing out in the freezing cold telling viewers its snowing when a winter storm rolls through Upstate New York.
We want to tell stories in the most-compelling way possible. We want to tell unique stories that break the mold of local news. We want to answer questions when readers bring them to us!
The right person for this opportunity will be ready to tell the most compelling stories- whether it fit into the news, life, sports, or some other yet determined categories. Your ideas and vision- they will be immensely consequential to this role.
What will you be doing? What are the ‘must have’ skills?
Shooting and producing video: The right candidate will become an expert in producing video ready for several platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Ability to ad lib: Of course, preparation is key. But smooth delivery is a must for on-camera and in-studio work. This is where experience will be pivotal!
Hosting in-studio and remote interviews: The most important part of telling a compelling story is asking the right questions.
Maintaining an open mind: If you’re coming from traditional media- there will probably be a learning curve. That’s OK! But, we operate with a level of editorial freedom that isn’t seen in a lot of newsrooms. Get ready to tap into that creativity and work with an open mind.
Genuine interest in video and audio: Whether it’s pre-produced video, live-streamed events, or podcasts- the right candidate will be fully-invested in telling stories through video/audio.
We’re making the boldest investments Upstate New York media has ever seen. We’re investing in people and the physical space to help them thrive. If that gets you excited- then we want to hear from you! As for a timeline- we’re looking at a late-spring start for FingerLakes1.com’s next multimedia journalist.
Send resumes and cover letters to [email protected].
Josh is the president and publisher of FingerLakes1.com. Have a question? Send them to [email protected].