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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COMPENSATION RANGE:
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.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

• 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.

If you are a current Scripps employee, please do not apply on this site. Please access our internal career site at Worklife > My Info > View Open Positions at Scripps.