KPBS Public Matters Reporter I, II or III

SDSU Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

5d•$68,682 - $87,381•Hybrid

About The Position

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming. KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego. Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience. It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide. Under the supervision of the Public Matters Editor and the direction of the Managing Editor, the Public Matters Reporter is responsible for covering issues related to democracy, governance, civic engagement, and elections. This position reports on the essential elements of a functioning democracy, examining both its impact on communities and the threats it faces, with a strong emphasis on people-centered storytelling. The Public Matters Reporter produces journalism that explores why people participate in civic life, as well as barriers that prevent or discourage engagement. Coverage areas may include, but are not limited to, censorship, political extremism, polarization and its effects on civic participation, race and racism, socioeconomic inequities, threats to elected officials and election workers, the role of journalism in a democracy, voter access and registration laws, freedom of speech, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Stories are distributed across digital, mobile, social media, and broadcast platforms. Content may be produced in a variety of formats, including daily news spots, enterprise reporting, in-depth features, video packages, and multimedia projects, as assigned. The successful candidate is driven to inform and engage audiences through compelling, accurate, and impactful journalism. The reporter collaborates closely with the Public Matters team, other newsroom staff, and KPBS departments, and may partner with journalists from external news organizations. The Public Matters Reporter may also be assigned to support other newsroom functions, including anchoring, hosting, reporting, or producing. This role may include appearing as a guest or host on KPBS digital and broadcast programs. The reporter produces local content for distribution across all KPBS platforms and may be expected to participate in on-air fundraising activities and represent KPBS at community events.

Requirements

Basic news judgment and an understanding of journalism ethics.
Ability to write broadcast scripts and/or web stories.
An understanding of proper news style (including AP style), structure and grammar.
Ability to voice for TV/radio.
Ability to do TV stand-ups/live shots.
Audio and/or video editing skills.
Ability to shoot/record/edit audio/video for radio & TV platforms.
Ability to build, develop, and maintain sources.
Knowledge of institutions/communities throughout San Diego & Imperial counties and/or on their assigned beat.
Basic computer skills.
Basic photography skills and the ability to capture images for digital story illustration.
Ability to use and maintain field cameras and related equipment.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and students.
Well developed sources in institutions/communities throughout San Diego & Imperial counties and/or on beat.
Ability to plan for and determine appropriate visual graphic elements for digital and video news stories.
Understanding of social media and digital technology and how to tell stories and reach new and diverse audiences.
Strong organizational skills.
Trained to fill in for one other position in the newsroom.
Demonstrated ability in writing broadcast scripts and web stories.
Demonstrated ability in voicing for TV/radio and doing TV stand-ups/live shots.
Demonstrated ability in shooting/recording/editing audio/video for radio & TV platforms.
Regularly (3-5 times monthly) shoots and edits daily packages and features for TV.
Strong, diverse sourcing in institutions/communities throughout San Diego & Imperial counties and/or on beat.
Ability to quickly research and incorporate subject matter expertise into news coverage.
Ability to authoritatively conduct live news coverage for both radio and TV during breaking news.
Ability to do in-depth research/reporting and develop innovative solutions to complex news stories.
Broad knowledge of resources and techniques on how to deliver news through digital platforms.
Ability to act as a substitute editor during vacations or other editor absences.
Ability to mentor young reporters and students in the newsroom.
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent training and work in journalism.
Two years of progressively responsible experience as a reporter (Level I).
Five years of progressively responsible experience as a reporter (Level II).
10 years of progressively responsible experience as a reporter (Level III).

Nice To Haves

Five years as a reporter with experience in enterprise reporting.
Previous public media experience.
Experience with digital audio and video editing software, content management system and social media.
Broad knowledge of San Diego, regional and California news.
Ability to write for digital audiences, and produce audio and video.
Strong knowledge of journalistic standards and practices and the editorial, technical, logistical processes required to create content.
Ability to collaborate across-departments on special projects or organization initiatives.
Ability to work in an often fast-paced newsroom environment with changing deadlines and priorities.
Fluency in a language in addition to English, e.g. Spanish, in order to connect to San Diego’s diverse communities.
Expertise in analyzing data to find story trends.
Track record of accountability-driven journalism, including filing FOIA’s and/or PRA’s.
Ability to successfully engage audiences via social media.
Journalistic experience on multiple platforms including digital, video and audio reporting.
Journalistic experience in public radio or television.

Responsibilities

Produce spot news, feature reports, enterprise stories, cut and copy, field packages, photos, video and audio.
Under the direction of the Public Matters Editor, align reporting with the KPBS Strategic Plan, Editorial Vision and Public Matters initiative.
Research topics, analyze data, develop contacts and interview sources, write and edit stories, and produce and voice reports for radio, television and digital platforms.
Apply a digital-first approach while producing content in formats appropriate for online and broadcast distribution, including live on-air reports, copy, actuality, cut & copy, voicers, wraps, features, series, and studio two-ways.
Maintain the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, fairness and storytelling excellence.
Monitor developments and emerging trends on the Public Matters beat, with particular attention to ongoing and previously covered issues.
Maintain contact lists and files to ensure continuity and depth of knowledge and coverage.
Collaborate with editors, reporters, producers and digital and broadcast teams to develop story ideas and play coverage across platforms.
Attend meetings and represent the station at public events.
Maintain appropriate records, correspondence and documentation, and ensure proper care and use of assigned equipment and supplies.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of newsroom and organizational operations.

Benefits

Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by position)
10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break)
Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
Free wellness classes & programs
Staff pop-up events
Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
Flexible spending account(s)
Employee assistance program
Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan