Reporter, Government

Full-time, Exempt, Salaried

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

JOB TITLE: Reporter, Government 

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Exempt, Salaried

DEPARTMENT: Content

LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN 

WFYI Public Media is looking for an experienced journalist to play a vital role in covering how state government, agencies, policymakers, and influencers impact the lives of people across the state. The reporter will be part of a team largely based at the Indiana Statehouse and will closely follow day-to-day and weekly developments within the legislature particularly during session. As part of the team concentrating on state policy this role will report daily and dive deep into the policy and politics shaping Indiana today. The role will also work closely with WFYI’s various content teams and file stories statewide to support our public media partner stations. 

Ideal candidates will be confident in daily reporting, enterprise and investigative journalism. This role will work on a variety of news products which include sound-rich and character-driven broadcast features, audiograms, video reels for social media, daily and in-depth multiplatform news stories, and “news-you-can-use” digital-first explainers. The position will also cover local news and contribute to state, regional and national coverage.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform in a satisfactory manner the essential functions and responsibilities listed below. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

  • In collaboration with the editorial leadership team, develop and report original stories that feature individuals with lived experience, using clear and concise writing to explain complex topics and their significance.
  • Build and maintain a large network of sources.
  • Conduct thorough research and newsgathering, including capturing audio, video, photos, and supporting materials to enhance the depth and quality of coverage.
  • Prepare and deliver original reporting across radio, television, digital platforms, and social media -- collaborating with our digital team to produce engaging content tailored to each medium.
  • Report, write, and present breaking news, features, enterprise, and investigative stories using data, interviews, and multimedia elements to provide context and clarity, especially when covering complex issues.
  • Make regular appearances across public media platforms, including live broadcasts, social media, podcasts, and community events, to share reporting and engage with audiences.
  • Actively participate in editorial meetings and planning sessions, collaborating with editors and content teams to shape story direction and uphold journalistic standards.
  • Contribute to the planning and execution of live events, special coverage, and broadcasts, including legislative sessions, elections and public forums.
  • Widen the view of reporting as necessary for our state, regional and national audiences.
  • Work with our community engagement team to discover new stories and angles that ensure we are reporting for communities, not on communities.
  • Accommodate a flexible work schedule (some evenings, weekends, and holiday work may be required)
  • Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience unless otherwise noted below. 

Required: 

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication or equivalent in experience and education.
  • Has held reporting roles that demonstrate the ability to turn a story quickly, the ability to report in-depth journalism and the ability to deliver continuing coverage.
  • Experience reporting intentionally for multiple platforms.
  • Knowledge of how to build a specialization and how to source and find stories. 
  • Demonstrated proficiency in AP Style.
  • Proven ability to excel in a collaborative team environment with a high level of personal motivation.
  • Demonstrated ability to work simultaneously on short and long-term projects.

Preferred: 

  • Experience in policy reporting.
  • Experience in audio, video, photography, and data visualization.
  • Previous work in both broadcast and digital news reporting.
  • Familiar with community engagement journalism.
  • Previous work in collaborations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

  • Ability to interact professionally with others, both in person and through phone, e-mail, and written correspondence
  • Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, and phones
  • Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail
  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday
  • Must be able to lift, kneel, carry and position equipment up to 25 pounds at times

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