Local Government Reporter

Cincinnati Public Radio • Cincinnati, OH

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

Cincinnati Public Radio is seeking a Local Government Reporter for its news department. The reporter will primarily cover the city of Cincinnati, including City Council, the mayor’s office, the city manager’s office, and the Planning Commission, and may also report on local government issues in Hamilton County. The role covers policy and legislative updates as they occur and identifies trends and topics for in-depth reporting. The reporter explains complicated topics in plain English for Cincinnatians and gathers news for radio broadcast, the web, and social media.

The position involves regular attendance at City Council and committee meetings, public meetings, and press conferences; developing and maintaining sources; contributing to daily news meetings; and representing WVXU on social media as needed. The reporter may appear on Cincinnati Edition, collaborate on special projects, submit work for awards, fill in as an anchor, participate in fundraising and outreach, respond to breaking news, edit other reporters’ work, and occasionally share stories with public media partners. The role also requires staying current with emerging journalism technologies and undertaking other assigned duties.

The work involves frequent travel within the city to City Hall and other locations, frequent use of a computer and office equipment, and occasional nights and weekends. The position is based at Cincinnati Public Radio’s headquarters, with a hybrid option of up to two remote days per week. A reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license are required.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of reporting experience.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills and an interest in working collaboratively to support staff and other departments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse and creative team.
• Understanding of Cincinnati Public Radio’s programming and belief in its mission and vision.
• Basic understanding of local government and how it works, or a strong willingness to learn quickly.
• Reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in politics or government reporting.
• Experience in broadcast media.
• Experience in public media.
• Experience adapting reporting to social media platforms.

Responsibilities

• Gather news for radio broadcast, the web, and social media, including short daily spots and occasional news features.
• Regularly attend City Council and committee meetings, other public meetings, and press conferences.
• Report on other topics as needed.
• Develop and maintain relationships with sources.
• Participate actively in daily news meetings.
• Use social media as necessary to represent WVXU.
• Guest on Cincinnati Edition when warranted by the news.
• Collaborate on special projects such as podcasts or newsletters.
• Participate in submitting reporting for awards.
• Fill in anchoring various WVXU shifts as needed, including Morning Edition, midday, and All Things Considered.
• Participate in on-air fundraising as needed.
• Participate in station outreach and public appearances.
• Be on call during breaking news events.
• Edit other news reporters’ work for broadcast and digital.
• Occasionally share news stories with partners, including The Ohio Newsroom, Kentucky Public Radio, Indiana Public Broadcasting, and NPR.
• Stay current on emerging technologies as they relate to journalism.
• Take on other projects and duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 403(b) plan with employer matching after one year of employment.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with approximately 75% of premiums paid by the employer.
• Group life and long-term disability insurance policies fully paid by the employer.
• 15 days of paid time off per year, plus 8 sick days and 11 paid holidays.
• Paid leave for all new parents.
• Hybrid work option of up to two remote days per week.

What This Job Offers

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