Morgan Murphy Media is launching two company-wide efforts designed to better attract and grow high-quality journalists and station leaders.
Journalism 365 is a comprehensive development program for early-stage journalists to get on-the-job training and personal development experiences that set them up for a long and successful career.
Selected participants will spend one year in a company newsroom working through a dedicated month-by-month curriculum designed by newsroom and company leaders.
Journalism 365 participants will earn $5,250 in the first year to pay back student loans. That annual bonus is available for two additional years should the participant stay with the company in any role. In total, these journalists can earn $15,750 on top of a competitive wage and benefit package. Those without student loans are still eligible for the J365 program bonuses.
“Throughout our history, the company success has been rooted in the quality of our people,” said MMM executive vice president and chief operating officer Brian Burns. “These investments are unique in our industry and are intended to send a strong message – Morgan Murphy Media is committed to your growth.”
Under a second new program, called Grow with MMM, the company is setting aside a new investment fund for current team members who desire additional training and personal development programs.
This fund will be open to everyone in the company across all departments. MMM is also creating a dedicated website to showcase all training opportunities available both inside and outside the company allowing anyone to apply in a matter of minutes.
These programs continue recent company efforts to evolve newsroom workflows to create more flexibility for journalists.
“The fight for talent is immense right now,” said Colin Benedict, MMM VP of News. “Many journalists want flexibility, help with student loans and a clear development path and we are providing all three.”
The Journalism 365 program will be available to multi-media journalists (MMJs) at KOAM in the Joplin, Missouri/Pittsburg, Kansas market. The news content producer program will be housed at WKBT in the La Crosse-Eau Claire, Wisconsin market.
Both programs are part of a broader, multi-year company investment in developing talent at all levels of the business.
“We are closely focused on our team members growth and success," said Kate Doty, director of talent and team development for MMM. “These programs are core building blocks for us to develop the next generation of journalists and leaders.”
Each newsroom will have a dedicated program leader for the J365 program. Participants will also have access to mentorship across the entire company. Those interested can contact Doty directly or apply online at morganmurphymedia.com.
