The Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Eastern Kentucky + Environmental reporter to join our news team. This role is crucial to providing comprehensive coverage of news, events and issues pertinent to the Eastern Kentucky region. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the area's unique cultural, social and political landscape. The job also requires a knowledge and passion for Kentucky’s environmental challenges – from the past to the present – related to its generations-old coal industry and the dramatic effects of climate change.

The Herald-Leader takes its historical commitment to covering this region seriously. Eastern Kentucky offers a rich array of stories, marked by its vibrant cultural heritage, significant economic transitions and pressing environmental issues. The region's deep roots in Appalachian music and arts contrast with the challenges posed by the decline of the coal industry and the resulting economic shifts. 

The area's unique political and social landscape provides insights into grassroots movements and policy effects. Additionally, such community issues as health care access, educational opportunities and opioid addiction present opportunities for in-depth reporting on solutions and struggles. 

Together, these factors make Eastern Kentucky a compelling area for journalistic exploration, highlighting stories of resilience, identity and transformation in the heart of Appalachia.

This role is ideal for an ambitious, self-starter of a journalist who feels comfortable tackling an array of story topics. 

** Important requirement **  This position is based in Eastern Kentucky, and the reporter hired for this is required to live in Appalachia, though there is flexibility in where precisely that can be.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct on-the-ground reporting in Eastern Kentucky, covering a range of topics including local politics, court proceedings, economic trends, community issues and cultural stories. Environmental coverage will be a key part of this position.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local sources to enhance news gathering and ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Write clear, accurate, and compelling news stories that meet the standards of the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com.
• Collaborate with editors and other reporters to develop story ideas and follow through on leads.
• Represent the newspaper at community events and engage with readers and local residents to gather feedback and story ideas.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in journalism, preferably with a focus on regional reporting.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• A deep knowledge of Eastern Kentucky’s communities and issues would be preferred.
• A demonstrated commitment to breaking news, quick-turn accountability and enterprise journalism.
• Experience with public records requests. 
• An unwavering commitment to accurate, nonpartisan, ethical reporting.
• A willingness to learn and use AI to streamline your workflow.

Work Environment:

• This position is based in Eastern Kentucky, and the reporter hired for this is required to live in Appalachia, though there is flexibility in where precisely that can be. Ideal cities would be Hazard or Pikeville, but Morehead and London/Corbin are also options.
• The role is primarily field-based with flexible work arrangements available.
• The correspondent will occasionally need to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to cover events or breaking news.

What we’ll bring:
As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends. 

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com. 

About the McClatchy Media Company

The McClatchy Media Company features a portfolio of vibrant and trusted news, lifestyle, entertainment brands and a robust retail distribution network. Our iconic local news brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and The Sacramento Bee, have collectively earned a total of 57 Pulitzer prizes and are complemented by popular lifestyle and entertainment brands such as Us Weekly and Woman’s World. Together, our brands reach more than 100 million unique visitors a month,The McClatchy Retail Network, our distribution and logistics arm, offers delivery to more than 56,000 retail locations weekly.

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Salary/Compensation: $21.63 - $33.65 per hour