Summary

Capital Public Radio is looking for a journalist who believes in the watchdog role of the press and who can translate complicated policy, regulation and legislation into compelling copy that explains how the legislature's actions affect the daily lives of our audience.

A great candidate for this role will be able to provide thorough, thoughtful reporting, is excellent at connecting with well-paced sources and is able to see the big story lurking in the small details. Above all, we are looking for a statehouse reporter who is endlessly curious and thrives in exploring how the government impacts the lives of everyone in the state.

The content produced by this reporter will be shared between NPR affiliate stations across California. The reporter will file daily radio news spots and online reports, as well as occasional radio features. The reporter has solid news judgment and reporting skills, is capable of covering politics and general assignment stories (as necessary). They must be enterprising and have breaking news and beat reporting experience and know how to develop sources. The reporter will be involved in special coverage plans like elections. The reporter may occasionally file reports or features for NPR. The reporter will have daily discussions with news managers and editors to plan coverage assignments.

The reporter will also serve as fill-in Anchor for Insight, Capitol Public Radio's afternoon talk show focused on in-depth interviews with community leaders, advocates, experts, artists and more. Insight goes beyond the talking points to provide background and understanding on breaking news, big events, politics and culture in the Sacramento region and beyond.

We’re focused on building a diverse and inclusive organization and that takes all kinds of people. So, if you’re excited about this role but don't meet all the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Write and produce daily and feature stories.
• Good communications skills.
• Conduct interviews, perform audio editing, voice work, and production of story versions that publish on both radio and web/digital platforms.
• Pitch story ideas to your assigned editor; receive and incorporate editor feedback.
• Attend weekly team meetings and daily budget meetings. Coordinate and co-produce special projects as assigned.
• Cultivate new and existing contacts with sources and newsmakers.
• Bring a spirit of innovation, collaboration, creative consideration and recognition that hitting a word count or a proscribed number of sources is not the mark of successful reportage
• Work closely with other reporters, sharing information and story ideas.
• Produce general assignment reporting as needed.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• When legislature is in session, the reporter has a command for and puts attention toward covering state government.
• Knowledge of the Associated Press Style.

Qualifications/Experience:

• A sophisticated level of awareness and understanding of the issues facing California state policy makers today. An understanding of tax/revenue policy, health policy, education or environmental policy would be a plus.
• A passion for audio storytelling is a must.
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or the equivalent experience is required.
• Experience: At least two years of public radio reporting experience and a solid understanding of how state government works.
• 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.

Background Check

CapRadio will require the employment and education verification for the new hire

You must be able to commute to our Sacramento, CA office each workday.

Salary

The hourly compensation for this role is $70,000-73,000 annually

CapRadio also offers:

• Competitive medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and acupuncture insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Two weeks of flexible, accruable paid time-off
• Paid sick leave
• Group life insurance
• Flexible spending plan for health and dependent care

Apply
Please submit your resume and 3 work samples with at least one sample being in the broadcast format.

You can address your letter to the hiring manager for this position, Nia Towne, Managing Editor, News and Information. If you have any inquiries or trouble submitting your application materials to the link, please contact us at careers@capradio.org.

CapRadio
Attn: Human Resources
7055 Folsom Blvd. 
Sacramento, CA 95826
 

Capital Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer.