Beat Reporter (Climate)

Application Deadline: Friday, Mar 31, 2023

Description

About WHRO Public Media:

WHRO Public Media is the largest local media company in Norfolk, VA with four TV stations and five radio channels. Since 1961, we have been at the pulse of pop culture, technology, current events and most importantly, education. Owned by a collaboration of 21 school divisions, WHRO Public Media offers employment opportunities in a variety of disciplines including communications, education, creative services, programming, interactive services, information technology, development, engineering, accounting and many other areas.

Job Summary:

The Beat Reporter is responsible for WHRO journalism’s particular area of interests in the Hampton Roads area. This position will perform first-hand information gathering through on-site investigations, reports, interviews, and Q&As. This position is responsible for working with the rest of the journalism team on other non-primary beat reporting when needed.

This is a one-year grant-funded position funded by NPR. The reporter will work with an NPR climate editor regularly, who will coordinate and collaborate with WHRO’s Newsroom Director and reporter on regional coverage.

The Climate Beat Reporter will attend a four-day training in DC in 2023 with other station reporters and the climate team.  As part of that training, the Beat Reporter will also be holding a convening with members of industry, activists, scientists, etc. and they will be a part of that.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• File regular daily and long-form news that could include audio, digital, written, live and visual elements.
• Engage with the Hampton Roads community to build sources and trust in and out of environmental circles to ensure a full accounting of the stories created or impacted by sea level rise and climate change
• Maintain detailed knowledge of latest beat specialty
• Research large quantities of information and distill it into meaningful takeaways
• Work closely with news director, hosts and other colleagues to communicate editorial priorities, share ideas and challenge each other to be better.
• Contextualize and humanize reporting with a focus on showcasing the fullest account of all people in Hampton Roads.
• Research, pitch, report, produce and share impactful local journalism about the present and future impacts of beat specialty.
• Participate in station events as appropriate.
• Ensure all reporting meets the WHRO expectations of accuracy, independence and fairness.
• Have an interest in and talent for engaging with diverse communities
• Assist with editing as needed
• Lead occasional training and/or listening sessions for the newsroom
• Available to work varied shifts as required by the news cycle.
• Pitch big projects, series and investigations
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated written and/or verbal communication skills (attach 3 samples or 3 links of work)

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or 4 years equivalent experience

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of demonstrated experience in professional journalism
• Experience in newsroom, preferably local or regional
• Experience in audio field reporting and production

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Visual journalism including still photography and videography
• Knowledge of Adobe Audition audio editing software
• Fluency in more than one language
• Data visualization skills
• Knowledge of the Hampton Roads, VA region

Physical Activities

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Operating motor vehicles.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions

• Low temperatures.
• High temperatures.
• Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Noisy environments.
• Hazardous conditions.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

To Apply:

Complete an application at https://corporate.whro.org/employment-opportunities/job-listings

Equity Statement
It is WHRO’s policy to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug Free

For additional information about this position, please contact: