KERO is creating a new role for a new era of local news. We're looking for a newsroom leader who understands that today's audience expects news wherever they are, whether that's on a streaming channel, a phone, social media, or television. You'll be at the center of our operation, helping drive a 24/7 news stream while making sure the newsroom stays connected, informed, and focused on the stories that matter most. This role is part coach, part editor, part conductor. You'll help reporters and MMJs tell stronger stories, make smart decisions in the moment, and find creative ways to connect our journalism with the communities we serve.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Lead the daily execution of KERO's streaming and digital news coverage, ensuring audiences have access to timely, relevant content around the clock.
- Serve as the newsroom's central information hub, helping coordinate coverage plans, breaking news response, and content priorities.
- Coach and develop reporters and MMJs to elevate storytelling across digital, streaming, social, and broadcast platforms.
- Collaborate with newsroom leadership to execute audience-focused content strategies that drive engagement and community impact.
- Oversee the writing, editing, and publishing of stories across all platforms while maintaining quality and consistency.
- Provide timely and constructive feedback that helps journalists strengthen their reporting, writing, and presentation skills.
- Develop and refine workflows that support multiple news products, including streaming, digital, social, and broadcast content.
- Ensure all content meets the highest standards of journalistic ethics, accuracy, fairness, and legal compliance.
- Help identify opportunities for enterprise and accountability reporting that resonate with local audiences.
- Support breaking news coverage and provide multi-platform content leadership when news demands immediate action.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Seven or more years of experience in journalism, digital content, newsroom leadership, streaming, or a related field preferred.
- Proven experience managing content in a fast-paced newsroom environment and making sound editorial decisions under deadline pressure.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
- Deep roots in digital journalism, streaming content, and audience engagement strategies.
- Strong understanding of broadcast-style storytelling and how to adapt stories across platforms.
- Demonstrated expertise in coaching journalists and helping teams produce stronger, more impactful work.
- Exceptional editorial judgment and knowledge of journalistic ethics, media law, and libel standards.
- Curiosity about the communities, issues, and people that shape the stories we cover every day.
- Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- A collaborative leadership style that builds trust and encourages innovation throughout the newsroom.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where priorities can shift quickly.
- Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, early mornings, and holidays when news coverage requires it.
OUR TEAM:
KERO is home to journalists who care deeply about serving Bakersfield and California's Central Valley. We're a collaborative team of reporters, photographers, producers, digital content creators, and newsroom leaders who believe local journalism should inform, connect, and make a difference. We celebrate great storytelling, embrace innovation, and support one another in the pursuit of meaningful, community-focused journalism.
WHERE YOU'LL LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY:
Bakersfield offers an authentic California lifestyle with room to grow both professionally and personally. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, you'll find a welcoming community, a lower cost of living than many California markets, and easy access to some of the state's most iconic destinations.
Whether you're exploring the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, spending a weekend at the coast, enjoying local music and food festivals, or taking in the region's rich agricultural heritage, Bakersfield offers something for every lifestyle. It's a community where journalists can build strong local connections and tell stories that truly matter.
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Annual Salary: $90,000.00 - 95000
Pursuant to state and local salary transparency laws, the salary range posted is specific to candidates who will perform this work in California.
A career path to grow your professional experiences
Full medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits
Retirement savings plan with company match
Other key company benefits include disability accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life insurance, AD&D, ID protection, pet discount program, and employee assistance program. More details about timing and conditions of benefits eligibility and other plan terms and conditions will be provided upon hire.
SCRIPPS’ COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:
At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose.
ABOUT SCRIPPS:
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.
