Summary of the Reporter - Hamilton (Full-time) job at Torstar

Company Description

The Hamilton Spectator is a trusted source of local news for Hamilton and the surrounding community. Our newsroom produces compelling, relevant journalism for readers across digital and print platforms. 

Our Commitment to Diversity We strive to be a leader in building and cultivating an employee community framed around fairness, support and opportunity. We believe that what makes us different, makes a difference. And as a team, the diversity of our backgrounds, interests and experiences is what enriches our work, and our workplaces. We welcome all, and we strive for an inclusive culture that allows individual growth and shared success.

Job Description

The Spectator is a hybrid work environment – working in the community, the office and from home. Reporters would be expected to live in or near the community to travel to the office and to assignments on a regular basis. 

Requirements include: 

• Coordinating with the local news editor to consistently produce interesting and local newsworthy stories told in traditional and non-traditional ways. 

• Producing high-quality, trustworthy journalism using excellent reporting and researching skills, including data analysis and AI where ethically applicable. 

• Producing engaging multimedia content for website and social media outlets, including video and audio posts. 

• Travelling throughout the community to capture events and information outside of structured work hours including evenings and weekends. 

• Regularly pitching interesting and original story ideas relevant to the Hamilton community. 

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in journalism or in a related field. 

• Self-starter who exercises solid news judgment. 

• Competent in using social media. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills (Canadian Press Style). 

• Effective organizational skills, ability to manage time and prioritize tasks appropriately. 

• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline driven, digital first and demanding environment. 

• Knowledge of media law. 

• Experience filing FOIs and data journalism. 

• Team-oriented individual who can build professional relationships with colleagues. 

• Experience with graphics, mapping, photography and video are assets. 

• Must have access to a reliable vehicle and valid driver's license. 

To apply, upload a single PDF to our online portal containing: 

• two original story pitches tailored to our audience. Each pitch must have a maximum 150-word summary of the angle and at least two sources to be interviewed. Ensure the pitches conform to Canadian Press (CP) Style. 

• Resume. 

• Three published examples of hard news or feature reporting journalism: 

• Links must be accessible (no paywalls). 

• Clips from campus newspapers or independent/community outlets are welcome but blog posts, opinion pieces or academic essays are not. 

Applications should demonstrate the energy and passion for local news that makes you a good fit for The Hamilton Spectator. 

Salary $56,407.88 to $ 75,578.24 

This is a unionized position - Unifor Local 87-M 

Deadline for applications is November 2, 2026 

Additional Information

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Torstar Group of Companies is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment process ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario Human Rights Code we will endeavour to provide accommodation to persons with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please notify the hiring manager upon scheduling your interview of your requirements.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) uses AI for initial screening and assessment; however, all final selection decisions are made by our Hiring Managers.