Freelance Reporter

This position is filled on an on-call, as-needed basis with no set schedule or guaranteed number of hours.

Rate is $25.00 per hour.

The Freelance General Assignment Reporter covers news of local relevance and often national significance across all KPBS beats, as directed. The reporter will work collaboratively with beat reporters, and at the direction of the News Editor. The reporter will also work in coordination with other members of the News Division.

KPBS beats involve taking complex concepts and rendering them into accessible and compelling stories. These stories will be carefully grounded in fact, but can still be playful or moving as the subject matter requires.

KPBS news beats are, but not exclusive to, arts & culture, border, education, environment, health, investigative, metro, and military.

The Reporter will pitch news stories, or be assigned stories by the editors, that can be distributed on KPBS radio, TV, KPBS.org, KPBS social networking and KPBS mobile. The news stories will be produced in formats for radio newscasts, in-depth radio features, TV packages, multi-media projects and special reports as assigned. The Reporter works closely with online producers and editors to create original content in support of beat reporting.

The Reporter may be assigned to anchor radio newscasts, and appear as a guest or host on KPBS TV and radio programs. The Reporter is expected to participate in station on-air fundraising activities, and make appearances for KPBS community-building events and other public relations activities.

Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff discounts, farmer's market Tuesday's, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment
Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by job)
Casual work attire
Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
Free wellness classes & programs
Monthly pop-up events for staff
Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
On-site childcare at a discounted rate
Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
Employee assistance program
Voluntary retirement savings plan

Responsibilities
The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities. Job descriptions may be changed at any time based on the needs of the department.

News Reporting and Producing (80%)

KPBS News Reporters have a bevy of options to employ when providing news content: spot news, feature reports, cut and copy, live debrief, tape talk, field packages, photos, video, audio, blog posts, and newscasts. The primary flow of work will be to start a story online, shoot video on the topic and edit it or work in partnership with a videographer for longer pieces as needed, and move the gathered content effectively across all news platforms.
The reporter, at the direction of the Director of News and Editorial Strategy, will follow the KPBS Strategic Plan and Editorial Vision.
The reporter researches topics, develops contacts and interviews sources, maintains notes and broadcast recordings, writes and edits reports, produces and voices reports for air, and works with a production unit to produce TV and multi-media productions.
Possesses excellent storytelling skills and high journalistic standards

Planning (15%)

Reads and follows major developments on general stories, and especially on issues s/he has covered in the past
Maintains diverse contact lists and files for on-going continuity of coverage and accumulation of knowledge
Brainstorms story ideas with reporters, supervisor, producers and digital team.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Qualifications
Knowledge and Abilities

Demonstrated excellence in news judgment and ability to generate engaging story ideas.
Ability to think creatively about topics and story angles.
Knowledge and adherence to high ethical standards.
Ability to start stories online first.
Knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and AP Style.
Ability to meet deadlines, handle multiple stories at once, and shift gears quickly.
Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
Proven ability to consistently work well with editors and station colleagues, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at KPBS and within the public broadcasting system.
Reliable transportation, valid driver's license and proof of insurance required.
Understand and follow posted work rules and procedures
Highly motivated self-starter.
Be able to work in breaking news situations.

Minimum Experience

Minimum two years professional, progressively responsible experience in journalism.

Minimum Education

Bachelors degree or equivalent work in journalism.

Preferred Qualifications

Fluency in Spanish/other languages
Public media experience
Data reporting
Wideo and audio recording, editing software; Ability to shoot and edit video; Ability to successfully engage audience via social media; Knowledge of current San Diego and regional issues.

Additional Applicant Information:

Candidates must reside in California, or be willing to relocate, and live within a commutable distance to the SDSU campus at the time of hire.
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer