Suburban 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
The suburban reporter produces work that publishes across distribution channels, such as radio, website, and podcasting with demonstrated excellence to the craft of journalism. The suburban reporter is able to develop a robust source file that propels the reporter’s explanatory news reporting and is capable of independently developing their stories and working with data. WHYY seeks a self-starter to report on the suburban areas around Philadelphia. This position researches and reports on news events and public affairs in the Delaware Valley, specifically in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties; provides special features and reports for broadcast and magazine programs. The regularly scheduled shift will include weekends, such as Tuesday to Saturday.
WHYY fosters an environment in which a can-do spirit and a drive to find the unfound and consider the unexplained lets you fit in. If you dream in scoops and deep dives, If your to-report list always contains “just one more story!” you’ll fit in here. This newsroom encourages big thinkers and
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Write and produce daily and feature stories.
Conduct interviews, perform audio editing, voice work, and production of story versions that publish on both radio and web/digital platforms
Pitch story ideas to your assigned editor; receive and incorporate editor feedback.
Coordinate and co-produce special projects as assigned.
Cultivate new and existing contacts with sources and newsmakers.
Cover a wide range of topics on this geographically-based beat, which includes stories that encompass the suburban counties’ communities, government, politics, education, business and quality of life.
Work closely with other reporters, sharing information and story ideas.
Produce general assignment reporting as needed.
Take still photos and videos, if applicable, for web use.
Use social media to cultivate contacts and promote work.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Knowledge of the Associated Press Style.
Available to work nights and weekends as needed per the news cycle, as well as assigned holidays per the overall newsroom scheduling processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Bring a spirit of innovation and creative consideration- recognition that hitting a word count or a proscribed number of sources is not the mark of successful reportage.
Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or the equivalent experience is required.
Experience: Two years or more of reporting experience with a demonstrated ability and command for beat reporting. Preferred experience includes knowledge of broadcast journalism, telling unique feature stories, covering suburban communities.
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 and access to a personal vehicle for transportation.. Reporter must use economical transportation options to and from assignments, such as: use of their 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 following a driving record check and they must schedule the company vehicle in advance.
PREFERRED CRITERIA
Experience: Familiarity with Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties and an understanding of WHYY News radio journalism and programming is a plus.