Gun Violence Reporter

About WHYY

WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism, eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. It’s also what drives our hiring.

Below you’ll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia region’s leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television, radio and online. Whether it’s preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support, all positions are vital to continuing—and growing—our impact in our community.

WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about our Social Responsibility Program. It’s how we live.

About the Role

WHYY is looking for an investigative, multimedia reporter to lead our coverage of the gun violence epidemic in Philadelphia and the surrounding region. 

This reporter will be expected to go beyond the daily body count and press releases from government agencies. We’re looking for someone who can effectively humanize and contextualize the crisis through compelling profiles and solutions-oriented, data-driven reporting from a public health perspective laser focused on coverage that makes an impact. If gun violence is indeed a public health emergency, this reporter’s coverage should inform the cure. 

This reporter must be able to rigorously report on evidence-based solutions and progress, and provide information that empowers, but does not traumatize, the people directly affected. Their voices, communities, and solutions must be centered in the coverage. The reporter will also explore the root causes of gun violence, including systemic racism and poverty, as well as the political forces shaping the crisis.

This reporter must be passionate about and familiar with the topic and affected communities, and bring both a sense of urgency and hope to their work. Experience with investigative reporting and the ability to gather and analyze data would be valuable. We are also looking for a reporter who can identify partnerships and opportunities for co-reporting across the newsroom and outside of WHYY. 

This reporter will file regular radio news spots and online reports as well as features. The reporter will also be involved in special coverage, including community conversations and TV specials. Photography experience is preferred, but not required. 

The reporter must embed practices that assure cultural competency as the foundation for their work, including being intentional about the diversity of the sources in their stories and reflecting a deep understanding of the continued destructive impact of racism. 

The reporter will have daily discussions with news directors/editors to plan coverage assignments.

Candidates must be able to meet deadlines and work quickly and efficiently on time sensitive reports and projects.

Candidates must be adaptable to coverage requirements.

Candidates must have a commitment to excellence and be willing to work with colleagues and supervisors. 

Other news assignments are also part of this position.

All positions at WHYY are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage people with nontraditional experience to apply.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or the equivalent experience is required.

Experience:  Two years of journalism and on-air broadcasting experience. Preferred experience covering Philadelphia suburbs.

Software/ Technical Skills: This position must be computer literate; must have knowledge of writing, broadcasting, editing, voice work and production, and a familiarity with recording equipment.

*This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.

*All WHYY employees are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Proof will be required upon hiring.