Join the Utah News Dispatch and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to the people who live it.

The Utah News Dispatch is an award-winning nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that covers state government, politics, and policy. It is staffed by veteran Utah reporters and is dedicated to its mission of relentless issue-driven journalism that sheds light on how decisions in the statehouse are made and their impact on individuals across the Beehive State.

Part of States Newsroom, the Utah News Dispatch believes in enlisting and empowering journalists to do impactful, ambitious work.

Based in Salt Lake City, this versatile reporter will thrive in a collaborative culture, possess great news judgment, and demonstrate the ability to develop a beat to create compelling, engaging journalism. The reporter will cover the Legislature, state agencies, statewide elections, and other assignments; emphasis could include the environment, immigration and public safety, with room to develop additional expertise. The reporter will produce daily and enterprise stories, take photos, and share content on social media.

The ideal candidate will know how to track trending topics and hold officials accountable through deep source building and public records requests. The reporting will take readers beyond press releases, providing a deeper understanding of the issues.
 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on issues facing Utah  
• Contribute regularly to the Utah News Dispatch’s briefs section
• Generate story ideas with the editor
• Pursue story leads, both self-generated and as assigned, with self-direction and solid news judgment
• Approach assignments on deadline with strong communication and follow through with the editor and colleagues
• Collaborate with other reporters on projects and share research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Establish and expand digital media presence representing the outlet and use personal social media to amplify the site’s content, presence, and voice
• Take photos and video to illustrate and amplify stories 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The minimum salary for this position is $55,000. Relocation stipend will be considered. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum health care for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• 4 weeks of vacation per year
• 2 weeks of personal leave per year
• 20 hours of paid volunteer time per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• $75 monthly cell phone reimbursement
• $200 cell phone replacement benefit every two years
• $75 monthly fitness benefit
• 401K with up to 3% match
• 12 weeks of parental leave
• Full-service EAP

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels – from quick hit to investigative – but we also aim to be supportive, welcoming, and positive. 

We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state government beat. States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting and incisive commentary on state government and policy. Journalism is a powerful force for social change, uniquely suited to challenging systemic inequality and racism. Our goal is to build an organization that fulfills that mission. 

At States Newsroom, we believe we strengthen our work and improve our insights when we incorporate the perspectives of people who come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. We are committed to diversity and prioritize equity in all recruiting and hiring. We are always working to better represent our communities and are supported in these efforts by a network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee. 

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

WHYY seeks to create compelling local multimedia programming to attract a larger audience in the Greater Philadelphia region. This position will contribute to that goal by producing a variety of live and recorded shows, segments and social media content that will engage audiences.

This position will work with the Executive Producer of FM programming, other content producers and on-air show hosts to create a wide variety of local content that ranges from serious and newsy to humorous and lighthearted. 

A large percentage of this position includes producing WHYY’s “Studio 2” program, but also other multimedia shows, segments, podcasts and social media efforts. The content will include coverage of politics, race, the arts, sciences, local impact of national/international stories, consumer, and money issues as well as lifestyle topics.  The position will use and reflect on audience engagement data to guide how we can be increasingly relevant. The ideal candidate is curious, collaborative, resourceful and creative, driven by the belief that facts, integrity and honesty reflect the best in journalism.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• This person works independently and with the programming team to create a variety of content that can be put on FM broadcast and other digital platforms including video livestream and social media.

• The producer should have excellent editorial judgement with the ability to pitch relevant ideas, book compelling guests, and provide fact-based research and background information to the on-air hosts about the subject matter.

• The candidate should have excellent audio editing skills and be able to quickly produce segments and shows.

•  The producer will participate in regular pitch meetings and post-mortems and be able to contribute to a culture of collaborative excellence.

• This person will have a good understanding of the tristate area and contacts in the region to highlight both general news of interest to a broad-based audience and the rich diversity of the region.  

• This person needs to regularly and quickly write clean copy for broadcast and digital.

• This person will work with the programming team to determine an approach to audience engagement for all content.

• They must also have advanced social media skills to engage with new audiences.

• This person is part of a rotating team that provides live studio control room direction, coordinating with engineers and hosts, and managing live callers.

• They must maintain a regular and predictable attendance.

•  They must be ready to perform other duties as assigned.

• Logging video feeds.
• Researching stories and potential interview subjects.
• Assisting producers on field shoots.
• Contributing to digital content and online post-production.
• Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.

• Excellent writing and research skills.
• Demonstrated interest in journalism and/or television production.
• Professional phone manner and solid administrative skills.
• Strong work ethic and effective time management.
• Knowledge of PBS NewsHour’s journalistic style.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Prior experience in a broadcast news setting preferred.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Write and produce for weekend and weekday afternoon and evening newscasts as assigned.
• Linear editing of video and booth newscasts.
• Work with reporters, editors, directors, and others to shape stories and newscasts.

• Minimum of 4 years experience.
• Must be a self-starter, have great news judgement, thrive on breaking news and deadline pressure. 
• Efficient and excellent writer.
• Organized, collaborative and good at managing people and resources. 
• Must have an eye for impact, relevance and moments that connect with viewers.
• Effectively use social media to gather and distribute news.
• Must be willing to work weekends and overnights if needed.

• Knowledge of Dalet, non-linear editing, and Ross XPression.

• Bachelor’s degree.