KWTV Helicopter Video Journalist

A Helicopter Video Journalist at News 9 helps drive the Ideal Team Player culture.

Job Summary: As a Helicopter Video Journalist, you will shoot and transmit aerial video of news, sports, and severe weather events displaying awareness of the elements of good photojournalism. You will ride in the station’s newsgathering helicopter and operate its onboard camera and transmitter system.  You will produce and edit videos for television, station websites and social media. You may fill-in as a photojournalist or newscast editor if helicopter is unavailable.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Operate the onboard camera and transmitter to broadcast aerials of news, sports and weather events.
• Record sound and pictures on video for broadcasts and all digital platforms, displaying awareness of the elements of good photojournalism.
• Apply editing skills for stories. Organize video for broadcasting and all digital platforms.
• Avoid potential technical problems. Work with other departments to ensure smooth presentation.
• Write news copy and travel to news scenes to cover stories as needed. Maintain awareness of current events.
• Use social media as part of daily story telling.
• Stay in contact with Assignment Desk throughout shift.
• Organizes video for news broadcasts.
• Maintains operational status of assigned equipment.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including driving automobile for company business.

Job Schedule: This is a full-time position, with primarily a 9am-6pm Monday – Friday schedule.  24 hours on call availability. Must be available for events and projects outside of the regular hours and remain flexible to schedule changes due to spot news, holidays, vacations, sick leave, and other news events. Travel without advance notice possible. The flight team (pilot and video journalist) is stationed at Wiley Post Airport.

Essential Qualities:

• Humble: A habit of sharing successes, putting the team first, and working for the good of the team. A “we” not “me” attitude. The ability to give and receive constructive criticism. Observe and employ the Golden Rule.
• Hungry: Exhibit a strong work ethic, drive, and willingness to take initiative.
• Smart: The virtue of being interpersonally smart about the interactions and relationships of those you encounter.
• Positive Attitude: Exhibited by focusing on opportunities not problems, see the glass as half-full not half-empty.
• Sense of Urgency: How we react and respond.

Skills and Requirements:

• Minimum two years college or trade school with emphasis on Radio/TV or Journalism. Related experience will be evaluated by Company management and may be substituted on the basis of two year of experience equals one year of education.
• Minimum two years news photography experience at a network affiliate.
• Must be able to operate all editing and recording equipment. Knowledge of Avid non-linear editing preferred. 
• Willingness to adapt to ever changing technology and an evolving newsroom.
• Knowledge of journalistic standards necessary and ability to perform appropriately on camera.
• Accurate and comprehensive writing, shooting, and editing skills as well as good communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others and a willingness to help others when the need arises in all aspects of newsgathering.
• Ability to work with a reporter or alone in the field to capture the story under tight deadlines.
• Creative and passionate storyteller with an understanding of the National Press Photographers Association philosophies and practices. 
• This position requires the operation of a company vehicle for company use. A valid Oklahoma drivers license and safe driving record is required. A copy of a current driving record must be provided with the employment application during the time of an interview. A driving record can be obtained from your local tag agency.
• Capable of handling the physical and mental requirements including:
  • ability to verbally communicate in English
  • ability to read computer monitor information (words and data)
  • ability to hear detailed spoken word
  • ability to remain sedentary and to travel to work location
  • ability to perform manual dexterity tasks with hands, fingers
  • ability to analyze data, concentrate, reason, and write
  • ability to perform under emotional stress
  • ability to work rotating shifts and be on 24-hour call
  • ability to lift 50 pounds unaided regularly
  • ability to ride in the aircraft without getting nauseous, disoriented or physically ill
  • ability to be in a confined space (the aircraft cabin) for extended periods of time
  • ability to adhere to weight restrictions of the aircraft (200 pounds or less)
  • ability to have 20/20 corrected vision

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.