Weekend News Reporter, WFDD

External Applicants:

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

- Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.
- Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.
- Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

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Job Description Summary
The Weekend News Reporter is a paid, entry-level position for a student or early-career journalist looking for hands-on experience in public radio news. The role is built around one clear weekly assignment: report and produce a set number of newscast-length stories each weekend, filed and ready for editing by Sunday at a time to be determined with the Supervisor.
Working Friday through Sunday, the intern will find local stories, gather tape, and write, track, and mix short pieces for WFDD newscasts. All work is reviewed and edited by the News Director or a designated editor before it airs. This is a learning position: we expect solid fundamentals, reliability, and curiosity, and in return we provide training, editing, and regular feedback.
We’re looking for someone who is dependable, curious, and hungry for news. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and potential, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

Weekly Deliverables (every weekend):

- Report, write, and produce 3 to 4 newscast-length stories (readers and voicers).
- Report, write, and mix 1 spot with actuality.
- File all completed scripts and audio by in time for editing.

Story Development:

- Pitch story ideas to the News Director by Friday EOB for the coming weekend, with a focus on local events, community news, and issues with a focus on covering the 32 counties the station reaches.
- Cover weekend events and conduct interviews in person or by phone, gathering clean, broadcast-quality tape.
- Ensure stories are accurate, balanced, and clearly sourced.

Editing and Feedback:

- Revise scripts and audio based on editor notes to meet WFDD style and standards.
- Participate in regular check-ins with the News Director to review work and set goals.

Other Functions:

- Create web versions of the stories based on the current guidelines and standards.
- Undertakes other related assignments as reasonably requested, within scheduled hours.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

- Currently enrolled in, or recently completed coursework toward, a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field; or equivalent experience in student or community media. A four-year degree is not required.
- Basic news writing skills, with excellent grammar, spelling, and attention to accuracy.
- Ability to record interviews and edit audio (Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, or similar), or a demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
- Ability to work independently on weekends and consistently meet a firm weekly deadline.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to take and apply editorial feedback.
- Ability to travel locally to report. Valid driver’s license and ability to meet the requirements of the University’s automobile insurance.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

- Prior internship or student media experience, especially in radio or audio.
- Familiarity with public radio news and newscast formats (readers, voicers, spots).
- Knowledge of the Piedmont Triad and surrounding region.
- Basic photography and web publishing skills.
- Ability to lift light equipment (approximately 5-10 pounds).

Accountabilities:

- Responsible for one’s own work.

Physical Requirements:

- Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions:

- No environmental conditions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement
Part time
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Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]  or (336) 758-4700.