Reporter II Job at KCRW Inc in Santa Monica

Reporter II

Who Are We

We are a global community that is driven by the creative spirit of Los Angeles. Through an inspiring mix of music, news, and culture, we bring joy and connection – online, in-person and on the radio. Always excellent, accessible, and often unexpected, we are a constant source of fuel for the imagination, education and good vibes. At least, that is what our members tell us.

As NPR’s flagship member station in Southern California for more than 30 years and a community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW is the next generation of public media.

How You’ll Make An Impact

A KCRW Reporter is unlike reporters at other outlets. You elevate the interesting and unexpected Southern California experiences in stories for audio, written formats and social media. You understand why a story is interesting and relevant to the audience now. You can tell it with both the highest journalistic standards and the drive to explore storytelling with unconventional style.

We are seeking an ideas person who can describe life in today’s SoCal in creative ways. Tell our audience about something new. Approach situations with lots of curiosity and healthy skepticism. Give them a perspective on something they think they know. Tell them a story with a plot and a good character. Surprise them with your approach to a story. Notice what’s curious, funny and absurd, and keep that in just for fun.

You can be a generalist with a wide range of interests and approaches who can really get anyone to open up, or passionate about a subject you know well, or both. The most important thing is that you bring a unique sensibility to deliver stories that are unquestionably compelling and revealing, causing the audience to seek out your work.

Responsibilities include taking assignments for stories; pitching stories; recording audio, shooting photos and video in the field; and writing audio, social and newsletter versions of stories.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Reporting and interviewing

• Taking assignments for news and feature stories

• Developing and executing original, creative and enterprise stories

• Recording audio and shooting photos and video in the field

• Writing audio and digital versions of stories

• Planning and managing long-term projects and initiatives as appropriate

Here’s what you’ll bring:

• Have a distinct voice that translates across platforms – lively on camera, engaged on air, compelling in a newsletter

• Knowledgeable about general news and Southern California

• Minimum 5 years journalism work experience

• A track record of well-written stories that are fair and error-free

• A portfolio of short-form video that demonstrates personality and an ability to communicate on camera

• A collaborative spirit that values elevating the work of colleagues as well as oneself

• Critical thinking to easily separate spin from fact

• Strong writing and editing skills

• Can elicit good tape and storytelling in interviews

• Ability to efficiently prioritize and meet deadlines

And it would be great if you:

• Are comfortable in Spanish and can report effectively in diverse communities

• Are unafraid to tell a story that someone might not want told

• Love LA. And if there are things you hate about it, it’s because you love this place so much that you want it to be better.

What We Offer

• Salary Range : $37.76 - $ 38.94

• Eligible for overtime and premium working holiday pay rate

• Sick leave award
  
  

• Vacation leave accrual

• Paid holidays

• Health insurance (including medical, dental, vision, FSA, life and AD&D) eligibility

• 403(b) with company match

• Passionate office environment surrounded by an incredible community of curious and talented colleagues

• KCRW is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program - read more here to determine your eligibility

This job is represented by SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, which ensures that performers receive fair wages, working conditions, and benefits. Membership provides valuable support and resources for those in the industry.

• KCRW employees covered by the 2022-2026 SAG-AFTRA/KCRW contract need to follow the union security article of the contract, become a full voting member or fee-paying non-member

• There are annual base dues plus working dues of 1.575% of the previous calendar year's earnings

• The broadcast initiation fee specific to KCRW is $720 for full time and $360 for part time and there are payment plans

• Upon hire, SAG-AFTRA will be in contact with all necessary information

• Candidates can discuss any union specific questions with a shop steward upon hire

KCRW aims to be representative of Southern California, and candidates with traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. KCRW is an equal opportunity employer and actively recruits to promote diversity in our workforce. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.