© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Politics & Civics Reporter

Politics & Civics Reporter
WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University

Position Summary
WKAR Public Media, the NPR & PBS affiliate at Michigan State University, seeks a passionate, experienced and dedicated journalist for its on-air broadcasts and digital media. In this role, you will produce news stories involving statewide and local political and civic topics. Examples include, but are not limited to: laws and ordinances, elections, policing, social and equity reforms, and transparency. Occasional general assignment reporting will also be required when needed.

As a successful candidate, you will have extensive knowledge of local, regional and national current events and issues and report for daily newscasts, website and social media accounts. You must have experience producing well-written, audio rich stories on deadline. A bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, journalism or related field is required. At least 3 years of professional, commercial or public radio news experience is required. Experience in print, television or digital news reporting will be taken into consideration.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Work with Managing Editor to develop vision and scope of WKAR’s governmental and civics reporting.
  • Research, report, write, and produce multimedia spot and feature stories for WKAR’s air and its digital platforms efficiently and on tight deadline as assigned by Managing Editor.
  • Cultivate sources and consistently pitch creative, thoughtful and original story ideas that demonstrate understanding of the issues facing the communities served by WKAR.
  • Use social media to break news, engage audiences and expand one’s source base.
  • Fill-in for show hosts as needed for radio and television.
  • Participate in pledge fund drives.
  • Participate in marketing activities, community engagement projects and other audience interactions as assigned on behalf of WKAR.
  • Participate in on-air and online fundraising as needed.
  • Mentor news interns and student journalists.
  • Other duties as assigned.?

WKAR is a division of the College of Communication Arts & Sciences at Michigan State University. It includes WKAR AM and FM, WKAR-TV, WKAR.org, the Radio Reading Service, and WKAR Ready-To-Learn, and it reaches more than a half-million mid-Michigan residents each week and contributes to the educational experience of Michigan State University's 50,000-plus student body. For additional information, please visit www.wkar.org.
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

  • Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Telecommunications, Journalism or Broadcast Production.
  • Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in radio production, broadcast operations, rules and regulations and interviewing, digital or print reporting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

  • Proven on-air reporting and hosting experience. Ability to work live and pre-recorded.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Prior experience with a radio automation system and a content management system.
  • Proficiency with automation systems, Adobe Creative Cloud and newsroom management software.
  • Experience producing content for national media (NPR).
  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Journalism, Communications or related field.
  • Skilled at mixing and editing one’s own audio reports, including in the field.
  • Skilled at writing crisp, clear news reports on deadline for web.
  • Willing and able to take still photos and video in the field.
  • Ability to travel throughout Michigan and work flexible hours when necessary.
  • Sound and ethical judgment, with a commitment to objectivity, balance and fairness.
  • Strong reporting, writing and technical skills.
  • Self-motivated team player with a track record of producing daily news stories and features of interest to local audiences.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours
Standard hours of work at MSU are M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. However, evening and weekend work may be required based on assignments made by the Managing Editor.

Required Application Materials
Please submit your resume along with a cover letter addressing your experience in professional, commercial or public radio news experience and why you feel this position would be a positive career move for you. Please include the names and email addresses of three professional references. A writing sample is requested; see further instructions below.

Special Instructions
Please provide three (3) writing samples or a link to your professional portfolio.

How to Apply
To apply or explore this opportunity further visit careers.msu.edu and refer to job posting #698943. Application deadline is May 6, 2021. 

About WKAR
WKAR is a division of the College of Communication Arts & Sciences at Michigan State University. It includes WKAR-TV, WKAR AM and FM, WKAR.org, the Radio Reading Service, and WKAR Ready-To-Learn, and contributes to the educational experience of Michigan State University's 50,000-plus student body. For additional information, please visit wkar.org.