Midday Newscaster (Temporary)

General Summary The Midday Newscaster is responsible for writing, producing, hosting, recording and uploading hourly local newscasts on Connecticut Public Radio. This is a temporary position, working up to 19 hours a week, Monday-Friday, typically 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This is not a remote position; the newscaster must work from the Connecticut Public newsroom on the campus of Fairfield University. This is a fast-paced job as the newscaster juggles multiple newscasts and deadlines in a relatively short time frame. The newscaster may also have opportunities to work as a reporter on stories, which involves conducting and recording interviews, editing soundbites and writing. The newscaster may also be assigned digital and social media storytelling. Essential Job Functions Edit audio, focusing on compelling and illuminating soundbites. Focus on stories that are relevant to a public media audience - topics could include politics and government, transportation, community happenings, arts and culture, health, education, environment, breaking news. Interview sources. Make quick decisions on what stories to include in newscasts. Monitor local and regional news for potential story ideas. Follow breaking stories or evolving issues and note key developments. Prepare and write local newscasts, offering news items that are fresh, relevant and in the moment. Record audio in person in the field and on assignment; record audio in virtual settings; record audio from livestreams. Research, write, report, edit and voice a wide variety of stories and series for radio and online, as well as social media. Upload newscasts into a computer system, ensuring the newscasts follow proper format and audio files are labeled correctly. Reasonable accomodations are available to help candidates complete the main tenants of the position. Responsibilities Additional duties may, at times, be assigned and required. Be interested in daily news stories and developments. Build a network of sources, particularly in Fairfield County and southern Connecticut, across all walks of life and deliver compelling, people-centered storytelling on radio broadcast, as well as digital and social as assigned. Collaborate with Connecticut Public colleagues on daily and long-term assignments, projects and initiatives. Collaborate with visual journalists every step of the way - as an assignment emerges and as a story develops. Have a conversational, relaxed on-air style that matches the tone and spirit of public radio. Juggle various tasks and multiple deadlines each day - writing, editing and recording multiple newscast items each day. Serve as fill-in host and on-air fundraiser as needed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: AP and NPR style. Editing and news tools that support reporting, including Word, Excel, Audition, and digital editing apps. Microsoft Office applications, including O365suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet and Outlook). Mission and purpose of CT Public. News judgement and an understanding of how to write for radio and broadcast about Connecticut issues. Skill in: Attention to detail, scheduling and strong organizational skills. Audio editing. Collaborating across the newsroom using strong interpersonal skills. Diverse storytelling in words, audio and video. Embracing and encouraging the use of new techniques and technologies. News judgment and outstanding writing and editing skills. Reporting and writing for a digital audience to expand and grow our digital presence. Telling journalism with impact and possessing the courage to take on difficult subjects. Ability to: Adjust on the fly during interviews and during newscast preparation and edits. Be a self-starter who takes initiative and brings story ideas to editors on a regular basis. Maintain high journalistic standards under deadline pressure, including standards of objectivity, balance and fairness that meet CT Public, NPR and PBS standards in order to produce local and national-quality broadcasting. Possess a visceral distaste for office politics and gossip. Possess initiative and self-motivation and work with minimal supervision. Take creative direction, feedback and constructive criticism with grace. Work with reporters, editors and producers in environments that include remote and geographically distanced offices. Work in a fast-paced environment, making smart, fast and solid editorial decisions, under pressure and under strict deadlines. Physical Requirements The physical activities of this position may include frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods, perform computer-related tasks, and hear/speak. Must have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing reports and information, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal or extensive reading. The typical physical requirements are: light work - exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, talking, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion. Working Conditions The newscaster will occasionally be in the field and conducting in-person interviews. This position may be exposed to adverse environmental conditions, specifically during field work. Other job functions are performed under conditions such as those found in general office work. Travel within the state and to our geographically-separated offices will be required. Work Environment This is a temporary, hourly, non-exempt position. It is the nature of the position to experience non-standard working hours and be on-call when needed for story development or breaking news. The newsaster will traditionally perform work Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., although weekend shifts or early-morning or evening shifts will be required on occasion. This position is required to be on-site, either in our Hartford-based newsroom or at Fairfield University, one of our satellite locations. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Communications from an accredited university or a similar field AND at least three to five (3-5) years of direct and sustained professional journalism experience AND/OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Strong record of achievement in reporting and/or on-air hosting is preferred,

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