News Caster and Reporter

POSITION PURPOSE 

WFYI Public Media is looking for an experienced journalist to play a vital role in reporting and delivering local news that informs, connects, and reflects the communities of Central Indiana. The Newscaster and Reporter will help advance our mission to engage the community and serve audiences across broadcast and digital platforms. This role requires a skilled journalist who can gather community input and curate, write, edit, and deliver local newscasts for publication in national NPR news magazines and on multiple digital platforms. Reporting will include daily stories of high interest and impact, stories that reflect the vibrancy of local life, and practical news that responds to audience questions and needs identified through community engagement.

Ideal candidates will be confident in daily reporting. They must also be ready to develop expertise in local issues and deliver original enterprise reporting as assigned. This role will work on a variety of news products which include sound-rich and character-driven broadcast features, , video reels for social media, daily and in-depth multiplatform news stories, and “news-you-can-use” digital-first explainers. The position will also cover local news and contribute to state, regional and national coverage.

This role requires in-person work at our Indianapolis studios each morning Monday through Friday. Field reporting work will be required in the afternoons.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities 

To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform in a satisfactory manner the essential functions and responsibilities listed below. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

• In collaboration with editorial leadership and community engagement, develop and report original stories that feature individuals with lived experience, using clear and concise writing to explain complex topics and their significance.
• Build and maintain a large network of sources.
• Conduct thorough research and newsgathering, including capturing audio, video, photos, and supporting materials to enhance the depth and quality of coverage. 
• Record and produce newscasts for broadcast and digital distribution.
• Collaborate with our digital team to produce engaging content tailored to each medium.
• Deliver breaking news and original reporting.
• Actively participate in editorial meetings and planning sessions.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of live events, special coverage, and broadcasts, including legislative sessions, elections and public forums.
• Widen the view of reporting as necessary for our state, regional and national audiences.
• Accommodate a flexible work schedule (some evenings, weekends, and holiday work is required for all)
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education And/Or Experience 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience unless otherwise noted below. 

 

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication or equivalent in experience and education.
• Broadcasting experience, either audio or video.
• Has held reporting roles that demonstrate the ability to turn a story quickly, the ability to report in-depth journalism and the ability to deliver continuing coverage.
• Experience reporting intentionally for multiple platforms.
• Knowledge of how to build a specialization and how to source and find stories. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in AP Style.
• Proven ability to excel in a collaborative team environment with a high level of personal motivation.
• Demonstrated ability to work simultaneously on short and long-term projects.
  
  

Preferred: 

• Experience in policy reporting.
• Experience reporting in audio and video.
• Professional photography experience.
• Familiar with community engagement journalism.
• Previous work in collaborations.
• Previous experience with investigative reporting and practices.
  
  

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to interact professionally with others, both in person and through phone, e-mail, and written correspondence
• Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, and phones
• Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday
• Must be able to lift, kneel, carry and position equipment up to 25 pounds at times