I was asked to complete an UNPAID interview assignment and commuted for an hour-long interview. It was clear to see from the interview process and their published work that the majority of their editors and reporters are entry-level and lack high-level skills. The editor they had interviewing with the owner had only worked in two newsrooms in her life prior. The owner went on about Christian values while at the same time wasting candidates' time by harvesting unpaid labor and not having the dignity to actually email candidates, They send them automated emails. If you're looking for typical anti-worker, weaponized Texas christianity, this is the place for you.

Interviewed with managing editor and HR manager (who is the sister-in-law of the publisher, so I wouldn't suggest being honest with her about anything HR related!) They were both very dead pan and hard to read, but it turns out that's their personalities and that didn't change at all the entire time I was there. Had a second interview with the senior editor and the general manager. It was very quick. Seemed more like they just wanted to get a feel for me before confirming I'd be coming on board. They asked about previous experience and how I would build a network of sources in the community and how well I know the community. Overall though, I think they don't care so much about the skillset of the people they hire but more about the caliber of their degrees and previous employers. The job is pretty easy to pick up, so as long as you have some journalism experience and are a high-caliber employee, you should be okay.