Beacon News Reporter

Job Title

Beacon News Reporter

Stipend

$1200/year

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports and writes one to two stories (usually fewer than 800 words) a week on deadline, as assigned by the news editor or living editor.
• Follows best practices in journalism especially accuracy, fairness and ethics above reproach.
• Immediately upon receiving assignment, calls sources to arrange interviews…and prepares for interviews by researching subject, attaining background information and having 5 – 10 key questions prepared and more, if warranted.
• Conducts interviews in person and on the phone in a professional manner
• Responds promptly to all emails and texts from editors and adviser.
• Records audio of interviews (with source permission) in addition to taking thorough notes.
• Makes story revisions and/or revisits or adds sources immediately as assigned by editors.
• Provides relevant hyperlinks and sidebar information to section editor.
• Collaborates with section editors, Multimedia Editor, photographers and videographers in enhancing written storytelling with visuals such as photos, video and graphics.
• Learns and uses digital tools as assigned for maps, charts, graphics and datajournalism.
• Is always on the lookout for compelling story ideas and strives to include coverage of UP community members who may be underrepresented on campus.
• Maintains face-to-face contact on at least a bi-weekly basis with key sources in campus “beat” (ie: Public Safety, Res Life, academic depts.) assigned by News Editor to nurture relationships and foster story ideas.
• When not in class, responds to breaking news by providing reporting/writing/photo/video as directed by editors
• Discusses story, photo ideas directly with assigned photographer(s)/videographer.
• Writes at least one commentary per semester for Opinions section
• Notifies editor immediately if a correction of published piece is needed
• Uses social media in a professional manner including posting links to Beacon content.
• Takes photos and or video with smartphone or camera using apps as assigned
• Reads professional-level journalism on a regular basis and as assigned by adviser
• Stays informed on current events
• May not be employed by UP Marketing or UP Athletics or on ASUP

General Qualifications and Requirements

• Must have at least a 3.0 GPA

Time Commitment and Availability

• Must attend Beacon Boot Camp training in August approximately one week before fall term starts and should not schedule conflicting activities/positions.
• Attends staff meetings Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:40 unless there is a conflict with a class and the editor approves the absence in advance. Staffers are strongly discouraged from registering for classes that meet during those time periods.