Local News Editor/Producer (AI, Remote)
Surround Sound Media · Anywhere, IL
FULL-TIME
Remote
Posted Sep 9, 2026
Job Description
Local news is the most trusted source of information in the United States (73% of Americans believe and trust local news compared to ~30% who trust national outlets). Local news, however, is a highly splintered industry suffering from a deteriorating business model unable to capture much of the $169 billion annual ad spend.
We’re looking to change that. At Surround Sound News, we are building an AI platform that fuels wholly-owned local news outlets. We’re creating a single network to provide communities a trusted source of news and information while capturing a greater share of corporate ad budgets.
And we’re doing it by applying AI to a much-needed service weighed down by a broken business model.
The Role
We’re hiring a full-time Local News Editor/Producer to help us scale – someone who’s equal parts journalist, engagement lead, and AI-native. You’ll help launch new sites and be the quality-control editor between AI-generated output and what deserves to be published.
What You’ll Do
Launch & Grow New Outlets
- Help stand up and manage dozens of new local news sites
- Experiment with headlines, formats, and timing to drive engagement
Be the Human-in-the-Loop
- Fact-check, review and refine AI-generated articles before they go live
- Catch errors, weak framing, or anything that feels “off”
- Make quick editorial calls under tight timelines
Find What’s Missing
- Spot stories the AI didn’t catch
- Add context, nuance, or “color” that makes coverage useful
- Flag gaps in coverage and push for better storytelling
Who You Are
- A journalist (or recent grad) who wants to build something new
- Strong editorial instincts: you know what’s newsworthy and what’s not
- A stickler for detail and accuracy: you’ve got a copy editor’s eye
- Comfortable using AI tools in your workflow
- Deeply online: you understand how content spreads and what gets attention
- You care about local news and community storytelling
- You get excited about change and move with speed
Why Join Us
- Ground-floor role in a fast-moving media startup
- Real ownership from day one (you won’t be stuck doing busywork)
- Work at the intersection of AI, media, and distribution
- High-impact: your work will directly shape dozens of local outlets
Location: Remote
Type: Full-time
Experience: 0–3 years
We’re looking to change that. At Surround Sound News, we are building an AI platform that fuels wholly-owned local news outlets. We’re creating a single network to provide communities a trusted source of news and information while capturing a greater share of corporate ad budgets.
And we’re doing it by applying AI to a much-needed service weighed down by a broken business model.
The Role
We’re hiring a full-time Local News Editor/Producer to help us scale – someone who’s equal parts journalist, engagement lead, and AI-native. You’ll help launch new sites and be the quality-control editor between AI-generated output and what deserves to be published.
What You’ll Do
Launch & Grow New Outlets
- Help stand up and manage dozens of new local news sites
- Experiment with headlines, formats, and timing to drive engagement
Be the Human-in-the-Loop
- Fact-check, review and refine AI-generated articles before they go live
- Catch errors, weak framing, or anything that feels “off”
- Make quick editorial calls under tight timelines
Find What’s Missing
- Spot stories the AI didn’t catch
- Add context, nuance, or “color” that makes coverage useful
- Flag gaps in coverage and push for better storytelling
Who You Are
- A journalist (or recent grad) who wants to build something new
- Strong editorial instincts: you know what’s newsworthy and what’s not
- A stickler for detail and accuracy: you’ve got a copy editor’s eye
- Comfortable using AI tools in your workflow
- Deeply online: you understand how content spreads and what gets attention
- You care about local news and community storytelling
- You get excited about change and move with speed
Why Join Us
- Ground-floor role in a fast-moving media startup
- Real ownership from day one (you won’t be stuck doing busywork)
- Work at the intersection of AI, media, and distribution
- High-impact: your work will directly shape dozens of local outlets
Location: Remote
Type: Full-time
Experience: 0–3 years
Additional Details
- State
- Illinois
- Country
- US
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