NPR seeks a tech reporter in San Francisco

NPR’s Business Desk is seeking a reporter/correspondent in San Francisco to cover the largest technology companies that are transforming how we live. Technology is the most dynamic and influential industry of our times. It has revolutionized how we communicate, date and marry, how we learn and entertain ourselves and how we shop around the world. It has created massive fortunes and the big egos that go with them.  Now technology companies have come under attack for allowing their platforms to become vehicles for hatred and violence and foreign meddling in elections.

The ideal candidate for the position has a high news metabolism, writes and thinks quickly and loves to break news. This journalist is attuned to the big trends in Silicon Valley as well as pop culture.  We’re looking for someone who can shine a spotlight on key personalities, while critically examining an industry that is opaque and often secretive.

A love of storytelling is essential. The reporter will be expected to weave narratives based on interviews and anecdotes. Many stories will come from the coverage of companies like Google, Apple, Twitter, Facebook, and Netflix. We are interested in how ordinary people are affected by the tools these companies develop — big data, artificial intelligence — and whether Big Tech and governments are up to the task of protecting the privacy of individuals.

The work of NPR’s Business Desk is featured on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, NPR.org, Up First, Here & Now, and NPR podcasts such as Planet Money, Planet Money’s Indicator and It’s Been A Minute.

The position is based in San Francisco and involves occasional travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, plans and reports news, feature and major enterprise stories for audio and web.
• Breaks and covers news as it happens, with authority and accuracy.
• Works on other stories assigned by Business Desk editors.
• Gathers materials on tape and otherwise, through interviews, press conferences, and direct coverage of events. Develops news sources.
• Participates in departmental planning for coverage on all programs and platforms.
• In consultation with editors and producers, organizes, edits and produces pieces and news spots.
• Collaborates with editors and show producers to shape two-ways and speaks fluently and conversationally live on the air.
• Fulfills administrative obligations arising from assignments, such as filing prompt and accurate expense records and program information/ summaries; maintaining contact with editors and appropriate producers; keeping editors and appropriate producers informed about assignments.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Economics, Business or writing-intensive discipline and/or equivalent work experience

Required Skills:

• 5-10 years’ reporting experience covering technology or equivalent. Strong knowledge of tech and how it relates to culture and politics is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, report and write stories of interest to a national audience.
• Strong reporting, research and writing skills.
• Ability to work on pieces and two-ways for radio, digital and social audiences.
• Works quickly under deadline pressure for newscast, major programs and digital.
• Ability to conceive and execute stories with impact, take initiative, receive constructive feedback.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Collaborate and work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.
• Familiarity with NPR member stations and public media system.
• Ability and willingness to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement will apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.

To apply, go here.