GA reporter; Wasilla, Alaska

From JJobs: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=1173092

Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
General assignment reporter
Wasilla, Alaska
Salary: $25,000 to $30,000
July 3, 2010

Description:
We need an ambitious reporter who can hit the ground running. The Mat-Su Valley is the fastest growing area in the state, about 45 miles north of Anchorage. This job isn't about covering Sarah Palin. You will cover the Mat-Su Assembly, three city councils, feature stories, crime and courts, business and sundry other areas a well-rounded local news reporter would be expected to do. Sports/outdoors background a plus. We offer a benefits plan and vacation begins accumulating after a 90-day probation period. You will join a small, talented staff who care about this place and its people. If you get bored covering the news here, it will be your fault. We don't cover moving costs. For more information or to send a resume, email tc.mitchell@frontiersman.com

I know Alaskan papers won't pony up for moving costs since they have to pay to move you back if you lose your job, but the pay is outrageously low. This looks to be the job for the washed-up or desperate grads.

 

But on the plus side - I hear Joe McGinnis will rent you a room for cheap.

 

Can you see Russia from your office window?

 

Oh, I don't know. The pay appears to be about the same as it is on almost all the other journalism job listings that don't just say "negotiable."

 

But I'm also guessing cost of living is way higher up there.

 

My guess is you'll get to cover plenty of the Pallin kids' little league game.

 

I figured Sarah was still in T-ball.

 

I'm sure I'm not the only one sick of journo job postings that try and make the low pay and heavy workload some kind of "plus."
Kind of makes me think of want ads for suicide bombers. "You'll die a horrible death but...."

 

...you'll be hard-pressed to find 72 virgins in Wasilla.

 

And that's just looking at the high school.

 

So now it's the reporter's fault that he's overworked and underpaid?

 

Just once I'd like to hear a paper like this understand what it is - it is a rung. If your job listing doesn't suggest that the job will help someone get to "the next rung" it probably means it won't.