Reporter I - General Assignment - Temporary

American Public Media Group•Pasadena, CA

2d•$39 - $45•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking for a daily news reporter with an emphasis on weather and disaster coverage who is excited to embrace the mission of LAist - helping Southern Californians stay informed by providing information they need to navigate, connect, discover and help affect change. The reporter will backfill a staff absence for one year (April 2026 to March 2027). The successful candidate will be able to develop strong day-of story ideas off the news and be adept at reporting and filing stories on a daily deadline. The General Assignment reporter needs a track record of strong news judgment, excellent writing skills and experience in breaking news environments. The ideal candidate understands digital platforms, including audience needs and how to engage readers. The reporter will champion our mission to explain Southern California across platforms that include broadcast, social and on-demand audio. Top candidates will be keen to experiment on coverage of weather and the environment – but also enjoy variety and covering a wide-range of topics. The role is designed to be flexible to audience needs, and subject-area focuses will shift on an as-needed basis. We love this place and embrace L.A. and O.C. as some of the most dynamic areas to live in the country. We are looking for people who are deeply committed to shining a light on the region’s challenges and opportunities and connecting diverse communities in meaningful conversations. This position sits in the collective bargaining agreement between LAist and Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“SAG-AFTRA”)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
Two or more years of reporting or professional journalism or applicable experience
Demonstrated radio reporting, digital news and production skills
Proven ability to identify and originate stories, report accurately and quickly and meet deadlines
Ability to develop areas of expertise and establish beat priorities and goals
Demonstrated capacity to use public documents, internet research and other reporting methods to provide independent material to inform stories
Strong writing, reporting and interviewing skills
Ability to provide live reports and two-ways
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
General and developing knowledge of beat
Ability to tackle difficult projects
Ability to work simultaneously on short- and long-term projects
Ability to produce compelling storytelling with originality in writing
Ability to develop stories with multiple interviews, scene changes, and strong knowledge of subject matter
Become and remain a member in good standing of SAG-AFTRA by the thirtieth (30th) day of employment

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish
Fluency in other languages used by significant portions of Southern California communities
Experience covering climate, weather, science or environmental issues

Responsibilities

Provide coverage of Southern California issues across a broad spectrum with an emphasis on weather and environment coverage
Report and produce daily and breaking news stories and feature stories on deadline for radio, web and social media
Develop expertise and source lists
On a weekly basis, monitor local government agendas and attend meetings remotely and in person
Regularly file public record requests
Report complex stories quickly, producing at least three stories per week
Bring complicated ideas to our readers and listeners with moderate direction from editor
Provide live newscast reports and talk show and host 2-ways
Participate in special projects including editorial projects and live events
Propose ideas and topics for on-air programs
Operate production and studio equipment
Use audience engagement as a reporting tool
Other duties as assigned