Join WFDD's award-winning news team! We're a growing and dynamic group located in beautiful Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on the campus of Wake Forest University. For four consecutive years in a row, WFDD was recognized for "Overall Excellence" by the regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. We are a welcoming and friendly team who enjoys connecting with the community and is deeply committed to serving it. Our news team values quality journalism and innovative ways of telling stories, while prioritizing a healthy work/life balance. We offer generous paid time off and holidays and competitive benefits. Winston-Salem is a thriving city that is located just hours away from both the beach and the mountains, and is an area rich in arts, culture, and recreational opportunities. Sound fun? Check out the position details below and for information on how to apply, click here. 

** Cover letter required**

Job Description Summary

The News Reporter works under the supervision of the News Director. The Reporter covers general news topics of importance to a 32-county region, produces daily news for broadcast during newscasts. The Reporter produces web versions of broadcast stories and shares on social media platforms. The Reporter also produces in-depth radio features and special reports as assigned. The Reporter may be asked to anchor radio newscasts, appear as a guest on programs, or host on-air programs on occasion.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

Reporting (85%)

• Researches, writes, and produces news content for on-air broadcasts and for the web, as assigned by News Director. Selects and researches topics; pitches stories for weekly news meetings, contacts and interviews sources; maintains notes and audio recordings.
• Reports stories in appropriate forms for broadcast (live on-air, copy, actuality, cut and copy, voicer, wrap, feature, series, documentary, studio two-way, etc.).
• Occasionally contributes news content to regional and national networks.  
• Create stories for WFDD’s for all digital platforms. As appropriate, posts to shared news exchange on Content Depot. Uses station social media accounts to promote stories posted to WFDD website.
• May be asked to edit fellow reporters’ broadcast and web scripts.
• Responsible for knowing, and/or getting training, on the operation of studio and field recording equipment and staying current on editing software used by the station.

Hosting (5%)

• May be asked to be live on-air to highlight reporting, anchor newscasts, or host on-air programs.

Planning (5%)

• Attends meetings, as necessary.
• If assigned a beat specialty, reads and follows major developments in the specialty.
• Subscribes to pertinent publications and attends related events.
• Maintains contact lists and files for ongoing continuity of coverage and accumulation of knowledge.
• Proactively participates in the creative cycle of story and program origination with the News Team.

Administrative (5%)

• Responsible for appropriate record-keeping, correspondence, phone calls, supplies and equipment, and other duties as assigned.
• Participates in station membership campaigns and community-building events.

Other

• Adheres to deadlines and, in concert with appropriate staff, makes timely and effective decisions in situations requiring prompt attention.
• Works in close concert with other staff and under the supervision of the News Director, assisting in identifying, developing, and creating programs that support WFDD ‘s overall mission.
• Works with college interns in the field to train them in news-gathering techniques and radio production skills.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• A four-year degree or equivalent required and at least one year of full-time professional, experience in journalism.
• Must have experience in newsgathering, writing, editing, and radio and web production for short-form and long-form reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a live broadcast environment.
• Displays knowledge of and adherence to high ethical and audio/work standards.
• Possesses effective communication and interpersonal skills. Must have excellent grammar and spelling skills.
• Must have an excellent memory for details, be able to meet daily deadlines under pressure, and deal effectively with simultaneous tasks.
• Ability to travel, as required.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record. Must be insurable.
• Skills required also include online research, word processing, digital editing, and operation of light office equipment. Must show competence in posting information to a content management system for website publishing.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• A familiarity with public radio news programming.
• Possesses broad knowledge of local and regional issues — and/or depth of knowledge in beat specialty.
• A track record of network story contributions.
• Web posting, content management, and social media experience.
• Ability to learn quickly and be flexible.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a small group.
• Ability to lift light equipment (approximately 5-10 pounds).

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.  ​