Overview KPBS News serves a countywide audience with news, information, cultural, and entertainment programming. KPBS is the public media station for San Diego with a mission to be the premier source of local news and information for the San Diego region.
The news division's mission is to provide fair, accurate and contextualized reports about the people and issues of import affecting San Diego and Imperial counties, their residents and extended communities. In support of this mission, the Freelance News Editor ensures we prioritize accountability-driven coverage, and include a mix of thought-provoking stories as well as fresh explainers that teach the audience something new. KPBS is committed to providing quality local in-depth news and news analysis on all of its platforms - TV, Radio, Web and Mobile. The mission of the news division is to provide balanced, accurate reports about the people and issues of import affecting San Diego & Imperial Counties and its citizens.
Under the supervision of the News Director, the Freelance News Editor works to manage the day-to-day coverage of news and to edit/review daily news on radio, TV, and digital platforms. We need a collaborator who can work with the Senior News Producers and other editors to satisfy the expectations of program audiences. The News Editor provides input and assistance for grant- and donor-reports on projects in the Editor's area, with support and oversight from the Director of Grants and Engagement. This position is responsible for assigning stories, news planning, reporting and editing for radio, TV, and the web and supervises reporters and their daily assignments.
Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS
- Working on a college campus & in public media (access to campus facilities and staff discounts, farmer's market Tuesday's, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment)
- Hybrid schedule, remote work flexibility & casual work attire
- Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
- Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts, and events
- Free wellness classes & programs
- Monthly pop-up events for staff & KPBS swag
- Sick leave accruals
- On-site childcare at a discounted rate
- Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
- Employee assistance program
- Voluntary retirement savings plan
This position is filled on an on-call, as-needed basis with no set schedule. Rate is $30/hr.
Responsibilities The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities. Job descriptions may be changed at any time based on the needs of the department.
Assigning and Editing News 70%
Work with the News Director, Senior News Producers, the Digital Editor and reporters to develop story ideas that cover issues with major impact in our audiences lives; lively explainers that tell the story behind WHY a trend is happening, and breaking news
Oversee enterprise reporting and help hone pitches to carefully selects stories that best match the KPBS news mission
Ensure writing is focused, spare, and conversational (if you wouldnt speak it, dont write it), at times irreverent, and audio and video for broadcast stories should move the narrative forward, allowing the writer to 'get out of the way' of stories that appear to unfold spontaneously
Help reporters write with style and word economy, create audio-rich radio, write to the pictures in the video, and adapt stories creatively for the web, including but not limited to 'top five' lists, interactive budget games, and useful election guides.
In collaboration with Senior News Producers, the Digital Editor and News Director; responsible for the on-air and web news being timely, fair and accurate,
Demanding high quality of our content and engagement from our reporters; reporters to start their stories on the website or social media, as warranted
Contributes to daily news meetings and segment ideas for Midday Edition, Evening Edition, All Things Considered and Morning Edition; KPBS to covering the top stories in San Diego every day
Responsible for Inception rundown with newsroom stories at end of day; audio and copy is filed and checked, intros are current and broadcast-ready, notes, updates, links to information are included and provided.
Ensure a multimedia approach to all stories is a priorityto reach diverse KPBS audiences
Assign and edit as news coverage requires (nights and weekends)
Administration 15%
Implement the news divisions administrative processes; personnel, productivity, and grant/donor reports.
Suggest spending priorities on staffing and equipment needs for the next fiscal year.
Maintain and update news planning documents with reporter activities, pitches, assignments, and upcoming news pegs
Compile and distribute daily rundowns of planned coverage for KPBS news partners, with the assistance of the Newsroom Administrator.
Apprise the News Director of errors and necessary corrections, audience feedback, and any high-stakes story situations that may involve legal action, anonymous sourcing, and/or ethical issues.
Coordinates stories shared with KPBS news partners, including the PBS NewsHour, NPR, and our various projects
Station and Community Outreach 10%
Maintains ongoing and effective relationship with various KPBS departments and local communities
Make appearances at various KPBS events as appropriate
Participate in on-air fundraising for the station as needed
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
Qualifications Knowledge, Skills A Abilities
Demonstrated ability to edit and/or report stories with impact.
Knowledge of current political, legislative, economic, scientific, arts, and cultural affairs issues.
Knowledge of journalistic standards and practices and the editorial/technical/logistical processes required to create multimedia content.
Ability to multitask and be highly organized.
Ability to lead, motivate and assign a team of reporters and possesses superior people and mentoring skills.
Demonstrated ability to work in an often fast-paced newsroom environment with changing deadlines and priorities.
Demonstrated ability to diplomatically assign and implement news agenda while ensuring the stations focus is on the most important stories of the day.
Ability to work well independently and make good decisions under fast-paced conditions.
Minimum Experience & Education
Bachelors degree in Journalism or related field
At least 5 years full-time professional experience as a radio, TV, video or digital news editor, producer or reporter
At least 5 years full-time professional experience managing journalists
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with public media news programming; previous public media experience desired
Digital audio and video editing software, show rundown, content management system and social media experience
Broad knowledge of San Diego, regional, California, national, and international news, with the goal of adding context to 'local' stories
Multimedia skills writing for the web, producing audio and video narratives
Experience with investigative reporting, use of investigative tools, PRAs, FOIAs
Experience with data-driven journalism
Fluency in Spanish
ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with SDSU Research Foundation/KPBS
San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer
Founded in 1897, San Diego State University is a public institution of higher education located in southern California. SDSU is the oldest and largest university in San Diego and the third largest in the state. SDSU continues to gain recognition as a leader in higher education.Join SDSU and make a difference through meaningful work that contributes to knowledge and provides rich opportunities for students. The dynamic synergy between SDSU and the San Diego region furthers SDSU's excellence and global impact. Every member of our team can proudly proclaim, "I Am SDSU."In addition to SDSU, three not-for-profit auxiliary employers operate to provide services for the University. The SDSU Research Foundation furthers the educational, research and community service mission of SDSU. Aztec Shops provides a diverse portfolio of products and services including operation of the SDSU Bookstore, SDSU Dining, and management of commercial and real estate properties surrounding the campus. Associated Students of SDSU is a student-directed organization that manages programs and facilities enjoyed by students, faculty, staff, and the community-at-large.