Multiplatform Reporter, Politics

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

The multiplatform reporter, politics is experienced, dogged, and an enterprising journalist who focuses on covering the politics and government entities of the Philadelphia tri-state region (City politics, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware). The reporter will break news and provide report spot news coverage while also delivering enterprise stories that delve deeper into people, issues and practices that impact the public and institutions. The successful candidate must be capable of uncovering behind-the-scenes dealings, recognizing trends, providing analysis and developing a contact list of traditional and non-traditional diverse sources. The journalist in this position reports authoritatively and without partisanship. We seek someone who is audience-focused, multimedia savvy, and intent on contributing to the organizational effort to cultivate new audiences. Reports will primarily appear, but are not limited to, the web and broadcast.

The WHYY multiplatform reporter produces journalism content that publishes across distribution channels, such as radio, website, social media, magazine programming and/or podcasting with demonstrated excellence to the craft of journalism. The multiplatform reporter develops a robust source file that propels the reporter’s explanatory news reporting and is capable of independently developing their stories, unpacking complex topics and working with data. The multiplatform reporter is a self-starter and skilled journalist who excels at storytelling, pitching, writing and constructing narratives. The multiplatform reporter may report special features for use on broadcast, programs and digital platforms. The candidate meets assigned deadlines, and understands the value of content distribution across multiple platforms and their story pitches reflect that effort. They are adept at connecting with audiences via community building and/or creating content that piques audience interest and consumption. The multiplatform reporter has the ability to develop storylines that serve a broad range of both existing and underserved audiences. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce authoritative reporting and journalism on the politics beat that includes government, public officials and adjacent topics and systems. 

• Research, report and write stories that demonstrate journalistic excellence for all broadcast and website platforms. 

• Pitch in-depth and impactful story ideas at news and planning meetings.

• Develop and write news and feature stories that have impact. Conduct interviews with a range of sources.

• Perform editing and voice work to prepare for production of an audio piece.

• Coordinate and co-produce special projects.

• Cultivate new contacts with sources and newsmakers that reflect the diversity across the Philadelphia region. .

• Work collaboratively with other reporters and news department staff and share information and story ideas.

• Produce general assignment reporting as needed.

• Prepare and write stories for publishing on the website.

• Take still photos and videos for web use as applicable.

• Advanced knowledge of the Associated Press Style.

• Be available to work nights and/or weekends as news breaks on the beat and/or per the news cycle, if breaking or major news happens. Be able to fill in on general assignments per department scheduling needs. 

• Meet short and long-term deadlines as assigned.

• Use social media to cultivate contacts and promote work.

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: A college degree in journalism or equivalent is required.

Experience: Minimum five years of experience as a journalist. Radio experience preferred, but candidate will be trained if needed.

Technical Skills: Experience with Microsoft Office software is required and ability to use website search and be trained on content management systems and tools, such as Airtable. Knowledge of audio editing software and equipment (AudioVault, iNews, e-filing from the field, voicing spots from the editing booth, etc) is preferred. 

*This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.

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