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 Pulse reporter is responsible for reporting stories, both on-air and online for The Pulse, WHYY’s weekly health and science radio show and podcast. This reporter may be assigned to cover general assignment reporting in the newsroom as well. While working for The Pulse national program, the workflow includes assisting with important production tasks for The Pulse. In addition to primary reporting responsibilities, the reporter will contribute to content published on social media and other emerging digital platforms, such as newly developed podcasts.
WHYY reporters produce 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. This reporter can develop 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 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 reporter has the ability to develop storylines that serve a broad range of both existing and underserved audiences. We seek someone who is audience-focused, multimedia savvy and intent on contributing to the organizational effort to cultivate new and diverse audiences.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
File health and science stories for a one-hour radio show and podcast.
Help to book, prep and cut interviews as needed, build out show segments, edit show audio, think through show rundowns and offer feedback on scripts in progress.
File general assignment stories and report for the newsroom as assigned.
File corresponding web text and photos (if applicable) for broadcast and digital stories.
Seek out opportunities to create a more sound-rich show and to expand our community of engaged listeners.
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. Use social media to promote content and work collaboratively to help build the digital brand of the show. Contribute to developing content for publication across various digital platforms and podcasts.
Must have a strong interest/passion in health or science reporting.
Must be able to keep up with multiple deadlines in a week.
Knowledge of 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. Available to fill in and file general assignments per department scheduling needs.
Maintain a regular and predictable attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education: Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: At least two years of reporting experience. Radio/audio experience is a must, including reporting, audio editing and producing long-form radio pieces. This position requires the ability to work collaboratively and produce quality work in a multiple deadline environment.
Technical Skills: ProTools or other digital editing, skilled in using recording equipment, and capturing audio during reporting.
*This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.
*All WHYY employees are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Proof will be required upon hiring.