Northern Illinois University/High School Sports Reporter, DeKalb, IL

The Daily Chronicle, a 9,000 circulation six-day a week newspaper owned by Shaw Newspapers that covers DeKalb County, Ill., has an immediate opening for an energetic reporter to cover Northern Illinois University and high school athletics.

This is an opportunity for a writer to spread his or her wings and cover a Division I college. We are looking for a reporter who can develop sources and stay on top of the news but also take chances with innovative enterprise and feature writing. It's the perfect environment and opportunity for a writer to grow while learning the ropes of covering a major college on a daily basis for the first time.

Qualified candidates should have experience in a deadline-driven daily or college newspaper environment and the demonstrated ability to write clear, concise and engaging sports stories and features. A candidate must have a passion for community sports journalism and the ability to work collaboratively with photographers and editors to produce a great newspaper. The position also includes coverage of high school athletics and limited page design responsibility. Knowledge of InDesign is a plus.

At least one year of professional experience preferred but recent graduates with outstanding internship experience are encouraged to apply. Solid knowledge of AP Style and grammar required, as is ability to write clear, concise copy. Experience with the Web and multimedia is a plus.

Interested candidates are invited to send their resume with six clips (make them diverse with game stories, features and news) to:
Shaw Suburban Media - Human Resources
Attn: Sportswriter/Reporter
1586 Barber Greene Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
OR E-mail: editorialrecruitment@shawsuburban.com

Jeremy Werner has done an outstanding job for us covering NIU and the local preps scene and is leaving for a new opportunity closer to home. If you have any further questions about the position, feel free to e-mail me at jsahly@daily-chronicle.com

If you want to check out some of our work and what the job will entail, here are links to our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/people/Huskie-Wire/100000026907286), Twitter (http://twitter.com/HuskieWire) and our HuskieWire website (http://www.huskiewire.com/)

On the preps level, here is a link to our DC Preps website (http://www.daily-chronicle.com/dcpreps/), Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/people/Dc-Preps/1807427354) and Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/dc_preps)

John Sahly
Sports Editor
Daily Chronicle

 

Anyone wanting info on this one, please PM me.

This a great opportunity for a young reporter to cover a Division-I beat. The Daily Chronicle has great leadership and the sports section is one of the best in the state for its size. John is a great boss and has a progressive vision for both print and online. HuskieWire.com has become its own brand and the best source for NIU news and John recently launched a HuskieWire iPhone app that has grown in popularity.

There's plenty to write about on the beat too. NIU football is on the rise and could crack the top-25 before the season is over. Jerry Kill is about to lead the team to its third straight bowl game, and he has plenty of talent in his younger classes to keep the momentum going.

Housing is very affordable in DeKalb with some nicer, newer options in nearby Sycamore. There's plenty of shopping and nightlife, and if you need more entertainment, Aurora and Naperville are about 45 minutes away and Chicago is a little over an hour away (depending on traffic).

I recommend this job to anyone who isn't afraid of hard work, cultivating sources and working for both print, digital and video.

 

I could have sworn this position was open not too long ago. I regretted not applying and have obviously decided to try my luck (knowing hundreds will send their resumes for this position).

 

Can anyone give me an idea on the pay?

 

I can also give you pertinent info on this one if you are looking for it, having been there not too long ago. John Sahly is good people to work for, but will make you earn your keep (as he should).

 

I have heard horror stories about this shop in the past. I take it that is old news?

 

After interning in DeKalb, I found the staff friendly, helpful and hard working. It's a great place, and DeKalb is an awesome college town and not that far from Chicago.

Plus, plenty of good sports to cover (Hinckley-Big Rock girls basketball, four postseason football teams this season and NIU football).

Would be a great place for a sportswriter.

 

Cutdowns have started apparently

 

The finalists to visit have been chosen. They're also paying their own way.

 

How nice. A bill for the people who don't get a job.

 

Mileage maybe? At least the guys who interviewed before Kill left?

 

Nope, nothing.