Freelance Breaking News Reporter

Courier Newsroom • Washington, DC

4d • $35 - $40

About The Position

COURIER is seeking an independent journalist to provide on-the-ground, real-time reporting on events at the nation’s Capitol. Assignments may include congressional hearings, press conferences, protests, and other events of national interest, with deliverables provided to COURIER’s social team on agreed-upon turnaround times. Short-notice breaking news assignments may also be offered. The contractor may collaborate with COURIER’s National Correspondent on long-form content projects and in-depth interviews with prominent individuals.

This is an independent contractor engagement paid at $35–$40 per hour, for approximately 20 hours a week and/or per assignment. The scope includes Capitol Hill coverage, short-notice reporting, short-form video interviews and B-roll, and fast delivery of organized footage, accurate quotes, and concise context notes. The contractor may also participate in joint shoots and larger reporting projects, including second-camera work, as agreed per assignment. The contractor supplies their own equipment and materials and chooses the times and places of work, subject to agreed schedules, delivery requirements, deadlines, and quality standards.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of reporting experience, either as a contractor or in a newsroom environment.
• Comfort approaching lawmakers and asking direct questions under time pressure.
• Basic video skills, including framing, audio, and shooting usable interviews on a smartphone or mirrorless camera.
• Strong grasp of how Congress works and who the key players are.
• Reliability, speed, and accuracy, with a track record of meeting deadlines and delivering accurate quotes.
• Based in or near Washington, DC, with the ability to accept short-notice and breaking news assignments.
• Familiarity with COURIER’s focus on accountability journalism, democratic institutions, and serving communities typically underrepresented in legacy media coverage.
• Own reporting equipment, such as a smartphone or camera and audio gear.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with basic video editing, such as Premiere, CapCut, or similar.
• An existing network of Hill press staffers.
• Familiarity with short-form platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

Responsibilities

• Report on Capitol Hill on an assignment basis, including members of Congress in hallways, press gaggles, and hearings.
• Cover breaking news on short notice and gather on-camera and on-record reactions from lawmakers and staff.
• Shoot short-form video interviews and B-roll using contractor-supplied equipment for social and national products.
• Assess the newsworthiness of events and explain their significance and consequences for COURIER’s audience.
• Deliver organized footage, accurate quotes, and brief notes on context and newsworthiness for each assignment.
• Work with the National Correspondent on joint shoots and larger reporting projects, including second-camera work, as agreed per assignment.
• Use the contractor’s own relationships with press staffers, congressional aides, and other Hill sources.
• Adjust coverage when story angles change or breaking news supersedes planned coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed