What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part Time Radio News Reporter position at WDJQ/WDPN Radio?
AM 1310 WDPN and Q92 92.5 WDJQ are seeking a motivated, reliable and detail-oriented Part-Time Radio News Reporter to cover local news throughout the listening area. The successful candidate will gather information, develop story ideas, conduct interviews, write concise radio news stories and help keep listeners informed about important local and regional developments.
The ideal candidate has strong writing and communication skills, sound news judgment, attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom.
General Responsibilities
- News Gathering: Monitor police and fire department reports, court filings, government announcements, school district updates, news releases and other reliable sources to identify developing stories.
- Local Government Coverage: Attend or monitor city council, township trustee, school board, county commission and other public meetings. Identify decisions, discussions and issues affecting local residents.
- Public Safety Reporting: Cover police, fire, traffic crashes, emergencies, investigations and other public safety developments, coordinating with appropriate agencies for accurate information.
- Court Reporting: Follow criminal cases, indictments, arraignments, hearings, trials, verdicts and sentencing proceedings. Verify charges, court dates, case status and other relevant details.
- Interviewing: Contact public officials, law enforcement representatives, community leaders, witnesses and other appropriate sources to gather information and obtain comments.
- News Writing: Write clear, accurate and conversational radio news copy designed for the spoken word. Produce concise stories for 20-, 25- and 30-second newscasts, along with longer reports when assigned.
- Breaking News: Respond to developing stories, gather verified information and provide timely updates as events warrant.
- Newscast Preparation: Assist with selecting, organizing and prioritizing stories for local newscasts based on news value, timeliness, geographic relevance and listener interest.
- Fact-Checking and Accuracy: Verify names, ages, locations, dates, times, figures, titles, charges and quotations. Attribute information to appropriate sources and distinguish allegations from established facts.
- Audio and Interviews: Record interviews, gather audio when appropriate, prepare sound bites and assist with editing and production of news reports.
- Newsroom Communication: Keep the news director or designated supervisor informed of story developments, assignments, deadlines and significant updates.
- Community Coverage: Identify local events, public notices, public meetings, community initiatives and other stories of interest to listeners.
- Digital and Online Content: Assist with preparing headlines, brief web stories, social media updates or other digital content related to station news coverage, as assigned.
- Professional Standards: Follow station policies, journalistic ethics, applicable broadcast regulations and established procedures for corrections, source attribution and handling sensitive information.
Pay: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10.0 – 15.0 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15 - $25