East Lansing, Michigan
Washington, D.C.
Cleveland, Ohio
San Diego, California
Posted: 23-Apr-26
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 1123891
Working/Functional Title
Multi-Platform News Reporter
Position Summary
WKAR Public Media has a rare full-time opening for a Multi-Platform News Reporter who values strong storytelling across radio, digital, and social platforms. This position focuses on covering state and local politics, with an emphasis on explaining how decisions at the State Capitol and in local governments affect communities across Mid-Michigan.
The reporter will produce daily and enterprise stories, contribute to digital and social content, and serve as a visible voice of WKAR News on platforms like Instagram. This role requires the ability to translate complex policy into clear, compelling journalism while maintaining a consistent presence across multiple platforms.
Primary Responsibilities
Reporting and Content Production – 40%
- Cover state and local politics, including government meetings and civic proceedings
- Pitch, report, and produce daily and in-depth stories for radio and digital platforms
- Develop enterprise reporting that explains complex policy issues in accessible ways
- Travel regularly throughout Mid-Michigan to report on location and cover assigned stories
- Adjust schedule as needed to cover public meetings and events, including evenings
- Demonstrate flexibility to respond to breaking news and take ownership of the story of the day
- Contribute to daily editorial meetings and help shape coverage priorities
Digital and Social Media Content – 25%
- Create and produce content for digital and social platforms, including Instagram
- Appear regularly on camera through video and visual storytelling
- Engage audiences through platform-specific storytelling techniques
Long-Term Planning and Project Management – 20%
- Balance daily reporting with long-term and enterprise projects
- Plan, develop, and execute in-depth stories over time
- Manage multiple deadlines and workflows across platforms
On-Air and Fill-In Hosting – 10%
- Fill in as a broadcast host as needed
- Deliver newscasts or other on-air content as assigned
Other Duties – 5%
- Assist with special projects, breaking news, and team coverage needs
- Perform other duties as assigned by the News Director or station leadership
- Assist with live fundraising for public media throughout the year
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Telecommunications, Journalism, or Broadcast Production; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in radio production, broadcast operations, rules and regulations and interviewing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require a FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator 's Permit. Additional qualifications: Strong writing, reporting, and on-air skills; Experience producing content across audio, digital, and social platforms; Comfortable on camera and engaging audiences on social media; Ability to manage multiple deadlines and long-term projects; possession of a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
To be considered, please submit:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Work samples: stories/social media
Work Hours
Standard work hours from Monday through Friday 12:00 - 8:00pm however, the schedule will be adjusted during the week to accommodate meetings or other stories, as well as any coverage on weekends/breaking news/elections/fundraising.
Website
Bidding Eligibility ends April 28, 2026 at 11:55 PM
