Breaking News Reporter/Producer, Fort Worth

KERA’s Breaking News Reporter Producer covers breaking and general assignment stories with a strong emphasis on quick-turn daily news.

Who We Are

Serving the country’s fourth-largest media market, KERA reaches more than 5 million people monthly through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, WRR and The Denton Record-Chronicle. For more than 65 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for community engagement and lifelong learning.

As we seek to recognize and reflect our audience and communities, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and points of view to consider employment opportunities at KERA.

Position Summary

The person in the Breaking News role is the lead reporter for most breaking news outside of KERA’s beat structure. This reporter will also occasionally work in a supporting role on breaking news stories led by beat reporters and editors across the newsroom. This reporter must be versatile, productive and resilient, with an ability to write, voice and produce quick-turn daily stories on multiple topics affecting all North Texans and occasionally dive into bigger-picture general assignment reporting — all while remaining firmly rooted in the ethics and standards of public media.

We’re looking for a strong radio and digital reporter who’s comfortable going live on the radio. A key focus of the role is the ability to do on-the-job- audio training for Fort Worth Report reporters that generally improves the volume and audio quality of stories to for broadcast and digital platforms. It will also entail direct radio production for Fort Worth Report stories.

The position is based in Fort Worth, with statewide and national reach: KERA leads The Texas Newsroom - a landmark regional news hub of public radio stations across the state and NPR.

This position is FLSA classified as non-exempt, is eligible for overtime and reports to the Collaborations Editor.

What You'll Do

• Write, voice and produce engaging, quick-turn stories from the field or in the newsroom for radio and digital platforms.
• Find creative ways to report on news that touches everyone, with an emphasis on breaking and general assignment reporting delivered with the context and creativity public radio is known for. The goal: High impact with deep substance.
• Develop distinctive digital and audio stories focused in the KERA listening area in North Texas, with statewide and national context and impact.
• Work collaboratively as part of KERA’s team to contribute compelling story ideas and experiment with innovative storytelling techniques.
• Create and participate in online and in-person events.
• Participate in extensive training opportunities in the newsroom, in departments across KERA and across the state with The Texas Newsroom.
• Cover breaking news in North Texas and beyond, sometimes outside the scope of the beat; this can include work outside the standard 9-5 business hours as needed.
• Participate in the rotating on-call schedule for the Newsroom.
• Actively participate in KERA fundraising campaigns
  
  

As a KERA Employee

• Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
• Participate in fundraising activities as needed and assigned
• Perform additional duties as assigned
  
  

This list of job duties is not exhaustive and is subject to regular reviews and updates

What Will Make You Successful

We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences, and passions. If you don't meet every job qualification but have some of these skills and think you’re the right person for the job, we'd like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself.

• Passion for journalism.
• Demonstrated research, writing, and reporting skills.
• The highest journalistic and ethical standards, with dedication to accuracy, fairness and attention to detail.
• Ability to generate dynamic creative story ideas and cultivate sources.
• Eagerness to explore and develop innovative digital, social and video skills.
• Agility to shift journalistic modes quickly and nimbly: from deadline reporting to developing explainers to deep investigative work.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity in reporting and sourcing.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style, ability to exercise sound news judgment and follow KERA/NPR editorial standards.
• Reliable transportation required for assignments/activities that involve work outside of the office.
  
  

Bonus If You Bring

• Undergraduate degree in journalism or related field.
• Strong audio reporting and production skills, and comfort behind a microphone.
• Public radio experience.
• Three or more years of professional journalism experience.
• Deep knowledge of the people, cultures, issues, and geography of North Texas.
• Proficiency or fluency in a second language such as Spanish.
• Experience with one or more of the following: multimedia production, particularly photography or video; working with one or more content management systems; other relevant technical expertise.
• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages common in Texas.
  
  

SALARY RANGE

$60,000 - $70,000 annually, depending on experience

Benefits

• Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• KERA-paid short and long-term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment
• 401k plan with KERA-contribution after 6 months
• Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household
• Strong company culture focused on connection, belonging and professional growth
  
  

LOCATION:

We expect that this position will work out of our Fort Worth office or our Dallas office at Fair Park at least 40% of the time. (Equivalent to 16 hours per week)

Time in office requirements are subject to change based on the needs of KERA and/or the position.

How To Apply

• Complete the application on KERA’s employment page.
• Attach a resume with links to recent audio/digital work samples.
• Add an optional cover letter indicating why you’re excited about joining the KERA team.
  
  

Application Timeline

We generally close roles 2-4 weeks after posting. The hiring process may continue for several weeks after the closing of the role depending on the number of applicants.

KERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.