Breaking News Reporter

KERA • Dallas, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

KERA's Breaking News Reporter covers breaking and general assignment stories with a strong emphasis on quick-turn daily news. This reporter will be a lead reporter for most breaking news outside of KERA’s beat structure and will also occasionally work in a supporting role on breaking news stories led by beat reporters and editors across the newsroom. The ideal candidate must be versatile, productive, and resilient, with an ability to write, voice, and produce quick-turn daily stories on multiple topics affecting North Texans and occasionally dive into bigger-picture general assignment reporting, all while remaining firmly rooted in the ethics and standards of public media. This position requires a strong radio and digital reporter who is comfortable going live on the radio. The position is based in Dallas, with statewide and national reach as KERA leads The Texas Newsroom, a regional news hub of public radio stations across the state and NPR. This position is classified as FLSA non-exempt, is eligible for overtime and reports to the Managing Editor, KERA News.

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 community representation 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

• Passion for public media.
• 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.
• 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.
• Participate in extensive training opportunities in the newsroom, in departments across KERA and across the state with The Texas 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)
• 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
• Strong company culture focused on connection, belonging and professional growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed