Statehouse Journalist

West Virginia Public Broadcasting - Charleston, WV

Full-time - Mid Level

Charleston, WV

About the position

The Statehouse Journalist will play a crucial role in covering the state legislature from Charleston, West Virginia, and will serve as the lead journalist for the weekly television and radio simulcast, "The Legislature Today." This program is produced in conjunction with the legislative sessions at the statehouse, providing timely and relevant coverage of state governance. The journalist will work under the guidance of the Broadcast Journalism Director and collaborate with other journalists to ensure comprehensive daily coverage and engaging news features during legislative sessions. In addition to covering the legislature, the Statehouse Journalist will be responsible for producing radio and web stories throughout the year, particularly during election years, where they will lead the team's live coverage of election returns on election night. The role also involves reporting on various groups, organizations, and issues related to state governance, as well as addressing breaking news and spot news as required. Candidates with experience in producing daily newscasts and a solid understanding of the public media landscape are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Cover the state legislature from Charleston, WV.
• Act as the lead journalist for the weekly television/radio simulcast "The Legislature Today."
• Provide daily coverage and news features during legislative sessions.
• Produce radio and web statehouse stories throughout the year.
• Lead live coverage of election returns on election night.
• Report on groups, organizations, and issues related to state governance.
• Address breaking and spot news as needed.

Requirements

• A four-year degree in a related field such as journalism, communications, political science, or strategic communications.
• Three years or more experience as a broadcast news journalist.
• Previous experience reporting on government, particularly state legislatures.
• Previous experience hosting a radio or television news program.
• Knowledge of national, regional, and state political and public policy issues.
• Knowledge of key players in political and legislative arenas and their governance history.
• Knowledge of the state legislative process.
• Ability to conduct credible research and develop news sources.
• Ability to conduct audio and television interviews.
• Ability to work under daily deadlines.
• Ability to use audio recording and sound equipment for radio and television.
• Knowledge of journalistic ethics and Associated Press style.
• Ability to navigate a CMS to post and edit written/audio stories.
• Ability to use audio editing equipment and software.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• State retirement plan