Breaking News Reporter/Producer, Fort Worth

KERA • Fort Worth, TX

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

KERA's Breaking News Reporter Producer covers breaking and general assignment stories with a strong emphasis on quick-turn daily news. Serving the country’s fourth-largest media market, KERA reaches more than 5 million people monthly through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, WRR and The Denton Record-Chronicle. For more than 65 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for community engagement and lifelong learning. As we seek to recognize and reflect our audience and communities, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and points of view to consider employment opportunities at KERA.

The person in the Breaking News role is the lead reporter for most breaking news outside of KERA’s beat structure. This reporter will also occasionally work in a supporting role on breaking news stories led by beat reporters and editors across the newsroom. This reporter must be versatile, productive and resilient, with an ability to write, voice and produce quick-turn daily stories on multiple topics affecting all North Texans and occasionally dive into bigger-picture general assignment reporting — all while remaining firmly rooted in the ethics and standards of public media. We’re looking for a strong radio and digital reporter who’s comfortable going live on the radio. A key focus of the role is the ability to do on-the-job- audio training for Fort Worth Report reporters that generally improves the volume and audio quality of stories to for broadcast and digital platforms. It will also entail direct radio production for Fort Worth Report stories. The position is based in Fort Worth, with statewide and national reach: KERA leads The Texas Newsroom - a landmark regional news hub of public radio stations across the state and NPR. This position is FLSA classified as non-exempt, is eligible for overtime and reports to the Collaborations Editor.

Requirements

• Passion for journalism.
• Demonstrated research, writing, and reporting skills.
• The highest journalistic and ethical standards, with dedication to accuracy, fairness and attention to detail.
• Ability to generate dynamic creative story ideas and cultivate sources.
• Eagerness to explore and develop innovative digital, social and video skills.
• Agility to shift journalistic modes quickly and nimbly: from deadline reporting to developing explainers to deep investigative work.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity in reporting and sourcing.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style, ability to exercise sound news judgment and follow KERA/NPR editorial standards.
• Reliable transportation required for assignments/activities that involve work outside of the office.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate degree in journalism or related field.
• Strong audio reporting and production skills, and comfort behind a microphone.
• Public radio experience.
• Three or more years of professional journalism experience.
• Deep knowledge of the people, cultures, issues, and geography of North Texas.
• Proficiency or fluency in a second language such as Spanish.
• Experience with one or more of the following: multimedia production, particularly photography or video; working with one or more content management systems; other relevant technical expertise.
• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages common in Texas.

Responsibilities

• Write, voice and produce engaging, quick-turn stories from the field or in the newsroom for radio and digital platforms.
• Find creative ways to report on news that touches everyone, with an emphasis on breaking and general assignment reporting delivered with the context and creativity public radio is known for.
• Develop distinctive digital and audio stories focused in the KERA listening area in North Texas, with statewide and national context and impact.
• Work collaboratively as part of KERA’s team to contribute compelling story ideas and experiment with innovative storytelling techniques.
• Create and participate in online and in-person events.
• Participate in extensive training opportunities in the newsroom, in departments across KERA and across the state with The Texas Newsroom.
• Cover breaking news in North Texas and beyond, sometimes outside the scope of the beat; this can include work outside the standard 9-5 business hours as needed.
• Participate in the rotating on-call schedule for the Newsroom.
• Actively participate in KERA fundraising campaigns
• Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
• Participate in fundraising activities as needed and assigned
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Benefits

• Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• KERA-paid short and long-term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment
• 401k plan with KERA-contribution after 6 months
• Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree