Gun Violence Prevention Reporter
WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism, eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. It’s also what drives our hiring.
Below you’ll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia region’s leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television, radio and online. Whether it’s preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support, all positions are vital to continuing—and growing—our impact in our community.
WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about our Social Responsibility Program. It’s how we live.
About the Role
WHYY News is seeking an investigative, multimedia reporter to lead our coverage of the gun violence epidemic in Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
The Gun Violence Prevention Reporter will be expected to go beyond the daily crime statistics and press releases from government agencies. We're looking for someone who can effectively humanize and contextualize the crisis through compelling profiles and solutions-oriented, data-driven reporting from a policy and public health perspective laser focused on coverage that makes an impact. If gun violence is indeed a public health emergency, this reporter's coverage should inform the cure.
This reporter must be able to rigorously report on evidence-based solutions and progress, and provide information that empowers, but does not traumatize, the people directly affected. Their voices, communities, and solutions must be centered in the coverage. The reporter will also explore the root causes of gun violence, including systemic racism and poverty, as well as the political forces shaping the crisis. The reporter is capable of digging deeper on this beat and does not regurgitate crime statistics. The reporter is an effective communicator and their reporting is credible and trusted.
This reporter must be passionate about and familiar with the topic and affected communities, and bring both a sense of urgency and hope to their work. Experience with investigative reporting and the ability to gather and analyze data is required. We are also looking for a reporter who can identify partnerships and opportunities for co-reporting across the newsroom and outside of WHYY.
This reporter will file regular radio news spots and online stories as well as features. The reporter will also be involved in special coverage, including community conversations and TV specials. Photography experience is preferred. Contributing pictures and other media for stories is required for all reporting staff.
The reporter must embed practices that assure cultural competency as the foundation for their work, including being intentional about the diversity of the sources in their stories and reflecting a deep understanding of the continued destructive impact of racism. Experience covering a range of diverse communities is required.
The reporter will have daily discussions with editors to plan coverage assignments. Candidates must be able to meet deadlines and work quickly and efficiently on time sensitive reports and projects. The candidate must be adaptable to coverage requirements and work general assignment shifts as assigned.
Candidates must have a commitment to excellence and be willing to work with colleagues and supervisors. All positions at WHYY are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage people with nontraditional experience to apply.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research, report and write stories that uphold journalistic excellence across all publishing platforms.
Pitch in-depth and impactful story ideas to your editor.
Develop and write news and feature stories that have impact. Conduct interviews with a range of sources.
Perform editing and voice work for the production of audio journalism.
Coordinate and co-produce special projects.
Cultivate new contacts with sources and newsmakers that reflect the diversity across the Philadelphia region.
Work collaboratively with other reporters and news department staff and share information and story ideas.
Produce general assignment reporting as needed.
Prepare and write stories for publishing on the website.
Take still photos and videos for web use as applicable.
Advanced knowledge of the Associated Press Style.
Be available to work nights and/or weekends as needed to cover the beat and/or per the news cycle, if breaking or major news happens. Available to fill in on general assignments per department scheduling needs.
Meet short and long-term deadlines as assigned.
Use social media to cultivate contacts and promote work.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or the equivalent experience is required.
Experience: At least five years of reporting experience is required and radio broadcasting experience is preferred.
Software/ Technical Skills: This position must be computer literate; must have knowledge of writing, broadcasting, editing, voice work and production, and a familiarity with recording equipment.
License or Certification: A valid driver’s license is required and access to a personal vehicle for transportation. The reporter must use economical transportation options to and from assignments such as: use of one’s own vehicle and submit for mileage reimbursement, use of public transportation, or use a company vehicle, if a company vehicle is available at the time of assignment. With a limited number of company vehicles, the reporter must be approved to drive a company vehicle following a driving record check and they must schedule the company vehicle in advance.