Job Description

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

WKAR Public Media is seeking a Freelance Multi-Platform Reporter / Editor to help cover the communities we serve across Mid-Michigan. This position will report on a wide range of local news topics, producing stories that inform and engage WKAR's audience across digital, radio, and social platforms.

This digital-first role requires a versatile journalist who can identify important stories, conduct interviews, gather audio and video, write compelling news stories, and produce content on deadline. The reporter/editor will contribute coverage across WKAR's listening area, with a focus on stories that impact the communities, people, and institutions

that make up Mid-Michigan.

In addition to reporting responsibilities, this position will assist with editing news content when needed and contribute to WKAR's newsletters by helping curate and produce engaging coverage for digital audiences.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong editorial judgment, understands the principles of ethical journalism, and can work independently while collaborating with a newsroom team. This journalist should be comfortable moving between platforms and creating accurate, balanced, and meaningful content for WKAR's audience.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent professional journalism experience.
• Minimum one year of professional reporting experience (this is not an entry-level position).
• Strong reporting, writing, editing, and storytelling skills for digital and broadcast platforms.
• Demonstrated understanding of journalism ethics, accuracy, fairness, and editorial standards.
• Ability to identify newsworthy stories and make sound editorial decisions under deadline pressure.
• Experience producing content for websites, newsletters, radio, and social media platforms.
• Ability to shoot and edit video using smartphones or professional cameras.
• Experience gathering and producing audio content.
• Strong copy editing skills and attention to detail.
• Experience collaborating with reporters, editors, or newsroom teams.
• Proficiency with social media platforms for news gathering, audience engagement, and content distribution.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout WKAR's Mid-Michigan coverage area.
• Knowledge of Mid-Michigan communities and issues preferred.

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

Please submit cover letter and resume for consideration.

Special Instructions

Applications will be reviewed as needed.

Work Hours

ON-CALL

Website

www.wkar.org