Breaking News Reporter, The Texas Newsroom

Job Description

The Texas Newsroom is seeking a Breaking News Reporter to tell critical statewide stories on digital and audio platforms to audiences across the Lone Star State.  

WHO WE ARE:
The Texas Newsroom is the landmark regional news collaboration of public radio stations across the state and NPR. It includes KERA in Dallas/Fort Worth, KUT in Austin, Houston Public Media, and Texas Public Radio in San Antonio. This person will be employed by KERA in Dallas but can live elsewhere in the state, in a location approved by KERA.
KERA reaches more than 4.5 million people per month through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, KERA Arts, WRR and the Denton Record Chronicle. For more than 60 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for trusted educational programming and initiatives, community engagement and lifelong learning.
As we seek to recognize and reflect the increasing diversity among our audiences, we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives to consider employment opportunities at KERA. 

POSITION SUMMARY
This is a full-time, digital-first position focused on telling the most important Texas stories of the day. This audience-focused reporter will write and curate quick-turn digital and audio breaking news stories based on original reporting and on reporting from partner stations. Assignments may range from writing a breaking news story on a key Texas Supreme Court ruling to filing audio reports from the scene of a wildfire to creating an Instagram post on a debate over smartphones at schools. The ideal candidate knows how to spot a great statewide story, write clearly and quickly, infuse breaking stories with context that matters to audiences and prioritize sourcing that reflects the diversity of Texas. This is a highly collaborative position that involves working closely with editors and reporters at multiple public radio stations. 

Writing and reporting skills are essential. Radio experience is not required, but the ideal candidate will be willing to learn.

This position is FLSA classified as non-exempt, is eligible for overtime and reports directly to the Audience Editor, The Texas Newsroom.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Create audience-centered short- and long-form stories for KERA and Texas Newsroom platforms, including digital and audio/radio.
• Keep tabs on what Texans are talking about online and in their communities and develop story pitches that reflect what people want to know.
• Contribute social media content, such as hosting Instagram Live conversations or shooting TikTok video. 
• Occasionally travel to the scene of breaking news events across Texas.
• Participate in radio or online fundraising as needed. 
   

As a KERA employee:   

• Be an active participant in KERA’s work towards equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.   
• Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.     
• Perform additional duties as assigned. 

This list of job duties is not exhaustive and is subject to regular reviews and updates.

SALARY RANGE
$58,000-$68,000 annually depending on experience.

BENEFITS

• Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• KERA-paid short and long-term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment
• 401k plan with KERA-contribution eligibility after six months of tenure
• Company culture focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
• Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household

LOCATION:
This job can be based anywhere in Texas, as long as the location is approved by KERA. Travel within Texas may occasionally be required for KERA or The Texas Newsroom in-person events or meetings.

HOW TO APPLY:
Complete the application on KERA’s employment page and attach a resume. Include an optional cover letter summarizing how you’d approach this position, as well as links to 3-5 examples of your best digital stories.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:
Applications generally close 2-4 weeks after posting. The hiring process may continue for a couple of weeks after the closing of the role depending on the number of applicants. 

KERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Job Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills and experiences. If you do not meet every position qualification but have some of these skills and feel you could be the right candidate for the job, we would like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself.

• 1-3 years of reporting experience.
• Proven ability to write news stories on tight deadlines that are clear, compelling and accurate.
• Sound news judgment and the ability to conceptualize strong statewide stories.
• A track record of working collaboratively.
• A deep understanding of journalistic ethics.
• Passion for serving diverse audiences and a demonstrated commitment to diversity in sourcing.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Willingness to experiment with different storytelling styles and digital formats.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks. 

BONUS IF YOU BRING:

• Knowledge of Texas issues, history, cultures, geography and politics.
• Audio reporting and production skills.
• Experience monitoring online trends using Google Trends, CrowdTangle or other platforms.
• Experience with data journalism or reporting using open records.
• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages common in Texas.

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