What are the responsibilities and job description for the Radio News Reporter position at Civic Media Inc?
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Civic Media has built a state-wide radio and digital media network in Wisconsin with the goal of championing the practice of democracy by empowering honest and informative local voices. We’re merging the legacy of radio with the immediacy of digital to deliver high-quality content to a growing audience via our 22 radio stations, websites, mobile app and associated social media platforms. We work in a fast-paced environment that values communication, integrity, vision, innovation and collaboration in order to fulfill our vision of being the media platform that informs, guides, and inspires our audience through the complex landscape of information, commentary, and civic engagement.
POSITION SUMMARY
We’re looking for a smart, enterprising reporter to write and report stories covering the Wausau area. This reporter will need to focus on finding and sharing the information that local audiences need to know about their community. This reporter will produce stories for broadcast audio and digital platforms and across a wide range of beats and subject matters. This position will assemble and produce daily newscasts and coordinate with other reporters to collaborate and share content. While the position is hybrid, applicants must reside in Wisconsin.
This position will create daily content (audio and text) stories and develop newscasts to reach growing audiences – on air or online. The position serves as an essential champion for local people, issues and events while coordinating with colleagues to contribute to statewide coverage operations. This position reports to the News Director.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Pitch, plan and report stories for broadcast and digital platforms on a deadline. This includes writing and/or recording audio and text stories, along with assembling other multimedia elements (photos/images, videos, links, charts/graphs, etc.)- Prepare and deliver timely and accurate regional newscasts that reflect a range of subject matter, audience interests and geographic diversity.
- Ability to adapt to change in a daily and sometimes unpredictable news cycle. Respond to breaking news and important events so as to serve the needs of our audiences with the latest information.
- Initiate daily story ideas and accept story assignments from News Department leadership.
- Coordinate with news colleagues to share stories and support/fill-in for colleagues in other areas of the state.
- Consistently post content on approved social media platforms and in alignment with social media strategies. Use social media platforms (Facebook Groups, others) to find story ideas and develop audiences as part of ongoing audience engagement and growth strategies.
- Write, edit and assemble weekly newsletters as directed.
- Maintain extensive knowledge of issues, events and newsmakers in assigned coverage area and across the state.
- Appear on local, regional or statewide news/talk programming to talk about stories, issues, events and newsmakers as directed.
- Maintain standards of accuracy, impartiality and audience understanding.
- Maintain the standards of journalistic ethics and excellence described in Ethical Guidelines for Editorial Staff: https://civicmedia.us/news-ethics-and-standards
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Education & Experience: Associate’s degree in Journalism, Communications or related field; Bachelor’s preferred. Proven experience in journalism, social media management and audience engagement.
• Journalism: Demonstrated knowledge and skill in all facets of audio and digital content production. Writing, editing and copyediting skills. Adherence to deadlines. Knowledge of AP Style. Listening and interpersonal abilities are critical. Talent for moving quickly, multi-tasking and a commitment to helping connect our content with audiences.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with audio production, digital platforms, social media tools, content management systems and basic analytics platforms. Experience with WordPress is preferred but not required.
• Communication Skills: Skills to serve as an ambassador for the organization and use your work to expand and deepen audience connections. Listening and interpersonal abilities are critical.
• News Knowledge: Familiarity with issues, events and newsmakers across Wisconsin.
• Time: Must be available to work weekdays and evenings and some weekends as assigned. Ability to work non-standard hours in support of major activities and emergencies.
• Passion for Civic Engagement: Deep interest in local journalism, democracy, and connecting with Wisconsin communities around relevant local issues.
Benefits
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental benefits package
• Company-paid Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability, and Life and AD&D insurance plans
• 401(k) with matching up to 4%
• Huge opportunity for professional development and growth
• Vibrant and collaborative hybrid work environment
• Opportunity to make a significant cultural impact
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Civic Media is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
