Public Safety Reporter
WNYC and Gothamist Newsroom
The WNYC and Gothamist newsroom is looking for a tenacious reporter to cover policing and public safety in New York City.
We are looking for a reporter who is enterprising, detail-oriented and a sharp writer. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of fast and accurate breaking news reporting as well as impactful scoops. This reporter does not hesitate to knock on doors, embed in underserved communities, scour public records and make dozens of phone calls to uncover the facts.
The public safety reporter is expected to build sources in the New York City Police Department – one of the most impenetrable agencies in the country – and cover how communities are affected by police and public safety issues. Reporters produce content for live air, on-demand podcasts and our website, Gothamist.com, serving audio and digital audiences.
This reporter will respond to developing news on their beat but will also report on stories with unique angles that deepen New Yorkers’ understanding of public safety in the city.
The WNYC newsroom strives to make the New York and New Jersey region work for the people who live here, and has ambitious goals to reach new, diverse audiences through impactful, audience-focused journalism.
Responsibilities:
Report and produce original news stories in both text and audio form that are clear, thorough, fair, timely and accurate.
Build sources, including in the difficult-to-penetrate NYPD, that lead to scoops our audience can’t get elsewhere.
Conceive, source and pitch stories on a variety of topics that will engage listeners and readers, answering pressing questions and giving daily utility that drives daily audience habits.
Consistently meet daily publishing deadlines.
Participate fully as a member of the public safety coverage team by contributing to coverage plans, meetings, brainstorming sessions, and newsroom projects
Effectively coordinate with other editors and digital journalists for maximum reach across our platforms
Enthusiastically participate in newsroom-wide efforts to improve workflows, policies, and various practices as requested
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
5 years professional reporting experience at a reputable news organization
Superb communication skills, including public speaking skills, the ability to multitask, and experience covering breaking news
Aptitude and comfort producing a broad range of content, including audio, text news stories, and social media
Experience covering breaking news and developing sources
Experience with audience-centered engagement projects strongly preferred
Competence in SEO and other digital audience skills
Experience using production systems and software tools required to edit, produce and curate content
Ability to see the story that is going to engage audiences and to anticipate reader/listener interests
Demonstrated ability to hear constructive feedback and incorporate the feedback into the work
Demonstrated knowledge of complex social and cultural issues
Demonstrated commitment and ability to contribute an equity lens to every aspect of reporting
Deep commitment to accurate, ethical journalism, and impeccable journalistic integrity and judgment
Self-starter with proven ability to meet deadlines and pay close attention to detail and fact-checking
The ability to work effectively with the public and colleagues at New York Public Radio
Familiarity with public safety, its news ecosystem and culture
Experience with data and in-depth investigative reporting is a plus.
Additional Information
This is a full-time role with a salary range of $90,423.21 - $93,000 per year (plus a full benefits package). Salary offered within this range is determined by skills, experience and organizational pay equity. New York Public Radio offers excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, personal and sick time as well as parental leave.
This role is currently operating in a hybrid capacity, with the ability to sometimes work from home. However, this position is part of the NYC staff and will be expected to work from the NYC office on specified days with regularity.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between New York Public Radio and SAG-AFTRA.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
New York Public Radio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continuously strive to place our employees at the center of our thinking and elevate inclusive practices to develop and support a more engaged and productive workforce. Our journalism and operations in the service of that journalism benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds, at all levels of the organization. Diversity is essential to honest, authentic, accurate storytelling and reportage; creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.
Equal Opportunity
New York Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions without regard to mental or physical disability, race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, employment status or any protected federal, state or local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.
