Reporter
Blue Ridge Public Radio is an independent, nonprofit news and media organization producing award- winning journalism service to 650,000 people across 14 Appalachian counties in Western North Carolina. We create journalism that informs, inspires, connects, and reflects the people and places of Western North Carolina.
BPR is an anchor of, and an established collaborator in, the Western North Carolina news ecosystem and is the largest NPR affiliate in the region.
We believe local journalism is critical for expanding and sustaining a civil society, and we seek to be the essential, independent source of news and cultural content that gives Western North Carolinians a deeper understanding of one another and the world.
Our newly renovated, state-of-the-art studios are in downtown Asheville, a city in the heart of the beautiful Appalachian and Smoky Mountains. Regularly included as one of the most desirable places to live in the country, Asheville offers a vibrant local food scene, an incredibly diverse live-music landscape, and endless outdoor recreation.
Summary:
We seek a curious, collaborative, multimedia reporter to cover local issues, events and government with a focus on growth/development. We eagerly welcome individuals with diverse lived experiences and perspectives to enrich our work and bring fresh ideas into our organization.
You will report to the news director and will be expected to file 3-4 short stories per week while working on longer projects. Your pitches and assignments will include day-of stories, enterprise packages and interviews with on-air hosts. You’ll produce news for all media distribution platforms including broadcast radio, web, social and emerging platforms.
The qualifications below are an example of skills that are key to this position. We welcome the opportunity to learn about other skills and experience levels that would make this a mutual fit. We are open to providing audio training to candidates who bring strong journalism skills from another medium.
We’re looking for candidates with:
· Seven or more years of reporting experience.
· Demonstrated news judgement, ethics and creative approaches to storytelling.
· Enthusiasm about using journalism engagement practices to serve audiences.
· Strong verbal and written communication skills.
· Strong decision making and problem-solving skills.
· Experience with and commitment to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion in content, staff and community partners.
· On-air experience or a willingness to learn.
· Experience with recording and editing video and audio.
· An ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment where attention to detail and accuracy is key.
· Professionalism: punctual, reliable, and willing to occasionally work weekend and evening hours.
What we’ll provide:
· Investment in your professional growth through coaching, training and professional development.
· A design-thinking, collaborative environment where risk, innovation and growth is fostered.
· A commitment to continue and build our diversity, equity and inclusion work in content, staffing, board representation, and community partnerships.
· State-of-the-art broadcast facility remodeled in 2020 along with remote reporting equipment.
Location: This is a site-based position working out of the BPR studios in downtown Asheville, NC.
Compensation and benefits:
Salary range is $60,000-$70,000 per year based on experience. In addition to salary and Worker’s Compensation Insurance, BPR offers a compensation package that includes the following benefits:
· Employer Paid Health Insurance (BPR pays 80%, 20% pre-tax employee contribution)
· Vision and Dental coverage (BPR pays 80%, 20% pre-tax employee contribution)
· 403(b) Retirement Plan Match up to 5% after 90 days
· Smart/Mobile Phone Stipend
· Short-Term Disability
· Long-Term Disability
· Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
· 12 days Paid Vacation in Year One, 17 days in Years 2-5 and 20 days for Years 6+
· 10 days of Sick Leave per year
· 11 Paid Holidays per year