Texas Public Radios seeks a tech and entrepreneurship reporter

Texas Public Radio is a mission-driven, award-winning, multimedia organization serving an audience of more than 200,000 across a wide expanse of the state.  We are part of the Texas Newsroom, a statewide Texas Station Collaborative with NPR that allows us to provide even richer content and programming.

SUMMARY: Texas Public Radio is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable reporter to cover the burgeoning technology industry and expanding entrepreneurial activities in South Central Texas.

San Antonio has become a hub for attracting, retaining, engaging, and growing entrepreneurial and creative talent. It is a national leader in cybersecurity, consistently ranked in the top 2 for cybersecurity due to its education, talent and businesses, including the top-ranked university for cybersecurity in the nation, the 24th Air Force Cyber Command, the FBI, National Security Agency, and Department of Homeland Security. The Alamo City is also home to some of the nation’s most important research and development in the Bioscience Medicine field and healthcare research within the military.

The Technology & Entrepreneurship reporter will develop compelling stories for broadcast and online that inform our audiences about relevant businesses, innovative ideas, trends and personalities that affect our regional economy and our daily lives. The reporter will follow issues of policy, regulatory and legislative activity and also report on the social impact of the technology and entrepreneurship sectors, writing the human stories that illustrate both the advances and disruptions they create.  A high priority is the ability to accurately combine technical knowledge with strong, engaging storytelling.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conceives, proposes, plans, and researches ideas for stories and program segments for both broadcast and digital distribution and takes assignments from the News Director.

Produces original stories on technology-related issues of interest to TPR’s listeners, while developing relationships with sources and subject matter experts.

Participates in the development and production of special programming.

Participates in community activities such as town hall meetings and panel discussions that spotlight the technology and entrepreneurship sector

Utilizes social media applications to disseminate news and engage the TPR audience.

Identifies opportunities for additional coverage by others in TPR’s newsroom and shares technical knowledge and sources.

Work on collaborative stories with other members of The Texas Newsroom Collaborative.

Participates appropriately in station fundraising and sponsorship activities and live events.

Fulfills administrative obligations related to assignments, including filing prompt and accurate program information/summaries and source diversity tracking, maintaining contact with and keeping the News Director informed about assignments, keeping appropriate files and submitting timely expense reports.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience reporting on technology is desired.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 1 – 2 years reporting experience and demonstrated initiative in developing  sources to produce original content.  Experience writing and producing news on multiple platforms and effectively using social media. Experience as a reporter preferred. College or university print or bradcast newsroom experience qualifies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated sound news judgment.

A passion for the mission of public broadcasting.

Exceptional organizational and time management skills, including the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Demonstrated ability to write clear, accurate, compelling news stories.

Ability to understand complex topics and convey the information in compelling reports.

Technologically versatile, proficient in Microsoft Office software, with willingness to expand skills.

Multi-media skills, including experience producing or editing digital media is preferred.

Demonstrated professionalism and personal relationship skills, including the ability to work well with other team members.

Self-motivated, with a “willing spirit” and the ability to work efficiently with limited direct supervision.

Able to work extended hours as needed and to travel, sometimes on short notice.

Must have valid standard Class C driver’s license and transportation.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Finger Dexterity: Using fingers to make small movements such as typing or picking up small objects.

Talking: Frequently conveying information, instructions, ideas clearly and quickly.

Hearing: Able to hear average or normal conversations, in person or by phone

Repetitive Motions: Frequently and regularly using the wrists, hands, and fingers.

Visual: Average, ordinary, visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents or other materials.

Physical:  Ability to travel. May have to lift papers, books, recording equipment and other items weighing up to 10 lbs.

BENEFITS

• Generous vacation, sick, personal time and holidays
• Employer paid Medical and Dental insurance
• LTD, Life and AD&D Insurance
• 2% Simple IRA contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Volunteer vision and supplemental insurance plans

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter, resume, samples of your work, references, and salary requirements to hr2022@tpr.org. No calls, please. Please indicate where you saw the ad when applying. TPR is an EEO employer.