Reporter - Crime, Courts and Fire

Reporter - Crime, Courts and Fire

Smith News&Media LLC

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Full-time

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Job details

Pay information not provided

Health insurance, Paid time off, Vision insurance, Dental insurance

Full-time

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Full job description

The Daily Courier | Smith News & Media

Full-time, non-exempt

Position Overview

Smith News & Media is looking for a reporter to cover crime, courts, fires, and other public safety developments in the communities we serve. You’ll report breaking news, follow significant cases through the courts, and give readers verified information they can act on during emergencies. Working with newsroom editors, you’ll build sources across the beat and pursue deeper stories about how public safety agencies and the justice system affect local residents.

Perks

• Take ownership of a local beat with room to pursue original enterprise and accountability reporting.

• Tell stories through digital updates, newsletters, photos, and short-form video.

• Help develop the next generation of local reporters through partnerships with area high schools.

Responsibilities

• Cover breaking crime and fire news, including wildfires and evacuations, and publish timely, verified updates as conditions change.

• Follow significant court cases from initial filings through hearings and outcomes. Review court records and explain legal proceedings in plain language.

• Build sources across law enforcement, fire departments, courts, and emergency management, as well as among residents and community organizations.

• Use public records, interviews, and data to develop enterprise and accountability stories and follow up after the initial headlines.

• Work with editors and the Audience & Engagement team to share coverage through newsletters, social media, photos, and video.

• Mentor student journalists through reporting guidance and feedback as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong reporting, interviewing, and writing skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and verify information under pressure.

• Sound editorial judgment when covering sensitive topics, including allegations, victims, and minors.

• Ability to read court filings, request public records, and explain complex information clearly.

• Ability to develop sources independently and report fairly across a range of perspectives.

• Familiarity with digital publishing and an interest in multimedia storytelling.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is based on experience, and benefits include a generous paid time off (PTO) plan, paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and more.

How to Apply

Apply Now!

Please include a résumé and relevant reporting samples. Examples of breaking news, public safety, courts, or enterprise coverage are welcome.

About Us

We are a growing, family-owned community newspaper with roots stretching back over 140+ years. We believe local journalism matters — and we're investing in it. We are growing, stable, and mission-driven. Our properties serve loyal, engaged communities across the Southwest, and we're looking for a leader to grow our audiences across every channel.