Reporter/Anchor, Freelance

WTOP News is looking for an enterprising individual to join our 24/7 news team as a freelance reporter and anchor. WTOP reporters and anchors are responsible for writing, producing and voicing news stories for WTOP’s broadcast and digital platforms. They are a vital part of the team that makes WTOP the leading provider of local news for the Washington, DC region. Job candidates must be able to work weekend and holiday shifts, in addition to weekday shifts.
Job Responsibilities

• Create on-air packages, write articles for web and post to social media about the top news of the day. Reporters at WTOP produce at least 2 different stories per shift.

• Tell stories in a conversational manner that are relatable and engage with the listener

• Enterprise and develop stories for daily broadcasts. Cultivate news sources. Collaborate with the assignments manager/news director to choose stories to pursue with our diverse audience in mind.

• Research and gather interviews/sound for stories. Attend and cover news conferences and community events. Actively pursue news tips that come in via email, phone call or other official outlets.

• Monitor local/national news outlets, social media and email to make sure WTOP is on top of the most relevant and breaking news stories of the day. Keep abreast of new developments in stories being covered by WTOP.

• Must be able to present stories live from the scene of a news event or record stories for later use.

• Maintain an appropriate and active social media presence

• Complete assignments according to established deadlines

• Attend editorial and strategic meetings, as needed

• Take part in listen sessions with news directors

• Complete other duties as requested

ANCHOR ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Deliver/Read stories live on air in a conversational and engaging manner
Smoothly operate the studio board: play commercials, reporter packages and station imaging elements; operate microphones
Must be able to manage the clock and hit WTOP's benchmarks. Anchors must adhere to WTOP's strict clock guidelines.
Write news stories in an active, conversational, clear, concise and interesting way to be read on air. Break down complicated and involved stories so they are easy to understand. Continue to update and revise scripts as needed.
Deliver the news accurately without stumbles
Interview live guests on the top news of the day in an unbiased manner
Enterprise and develop stories and interview ideas for daily broadcasts
Operate the Emergency Alert System for the DC area
Must be able to effectively ad lib during breaking news events as well as during live interviews
Keep abreast of new developments in stories being covered by WTOP
Voice spots, as needed, by WTOP's production team
Attend editorial and strategic meetings, as needed
Take part in listen sessions with news directors
Complete other duties as requested