Radio Reporter / Producer

General Statement of Duties

WCMU’s Radio Reporter / Producer plays a key role in producing daily content for WCMU’s radio and digital platforms. WCMU covers 48 of Michigan’s 83 counties, reporting on a wide range of issues, including local and state government, education, climate and the environment, the economy, and more.

Primary functions of this position include :

News Reporting : Contributes spot, feature and two-way reports on a variety of subjects for WCMU’s hourly newscasts, broadcast news magazines, and online platforms.

Researches topics, schedules and conducts interviews, and writes and edits stories.

Editing and Story Assignment : Serves as a backup editor for WCMU’s reporters and producers, under the supervision of the News Director.

Backup On-Air Host : Serves as the primary backup local host for WCMU’s news magazines, including Morning Edition, Here and Now, and All Things Considered, and others.

This role is tiered, allowing room for growth and promotion. The successful candidate will be classified as either a BH-I, BS-II, or BS-III position based on experience and alignment with the position’s required and preferred qualifications.

Required Qualifications

Radio Reporter / Producer I (BH-I) :

• Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting, Journalism, Multimedia, Humanities or related field, or 4 years equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience in reporting situations, including impromptu interview questioning and scripted situations.
• Experience in field news gathering or remote recording situations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and to project a positive image.
• General knowledge of digital editing and studio situations.
• Must possess basic announcing skills.
• Ability to maintain positive interpersonal relationships with faculty, students, visitors and fellow work associates.
• Ability to complete tasks independently.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to perform the essential functions and requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Radio Reporter / Producer II (BS-II) :

• All qualifications listed for a Radio Reporter / Producer I (BH-1).
• Plus at least three years of growing experience with key elements of the job including : reporting situations, field news gathering, digital editing, hosting and announcing, with increasing responsibilities.

Radio Reporter / Producer III (BS-III) :

• All qualifications listed for a Radio Reporter / Producer II (BS-2).
• Plus at least six years of experience resulting in advanced skills with key elements of the job including : reporting situations, field news gathering, digital editing, hosting and announcing.
• Thrives working independently and in collaborative settings in the pursuit of professional, high-quality journalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of successful experience in on-air situations and field recording / news gathering with increasing responsibilities.
• Proficient capabilities in basic digital editing and multitrack editing.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate interview segments and questions.
• Experience hosting live radio.
• Experience as talent for fundraisers, interviews and programs.
• Experience as a local host of NPR news magazines.
• Experience filing stories with NPR.

Duties and Responsibilities

Radio Reporter / Producer I (BH-I) performs the following tasks under direct supervision :

• Schedules, records, and edits interviews for radio station use.
• Researches program topics and / or guests for possible programs or segments.
• Acts as talent for fundraisers, interviews and programs.
• Operates radio remote and studio equipment as required.
• Assists in the development of radio programs and materials.
• Assists in the development of interviews or guest appearances.
• Develop buildouts of radio news stories for WCMU’s digital platforms.
• Serves as primary fill-in host for Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and other news programs.
• Contributes to ongoing major projects.
• Develops contacts with Central Michigan University departments, local and state government officials, and various constituencies.
• Appears at station events.
• Pitches stories to NPR, Harvest Public Media and other organizations for national distribution.
• Participates in professional development opportunities.
• Assigns and edits stories for student news reporters and fellow staff members as directed by the News Director.
• Edits reports submitted by freelance reporters as directed by the News Director.
• Participates in recruiting, interviewing and training Student Reporters and Freelance News Reporters.
• Contributes occasionally to WCMU’s video productions.
• Some travel for reporting trips and station events is required, including occasional overnight trips.

Radio Reporter / Producer II (BS-II) performs the following tasks under limited supervision :

• All qualifications listed for a Radio Reporter / Producer I (BS-1) performed with a growing confidence and proficiency.
• Plus at least three years of growing experience with key elements of the job including : reporting situations, field news gathering, digital editing, hosting and announcing, with increasing responsibilities.
• Files stories with NPR, Harvest Public Media and other organizations for national distribution.
• Confident with live, on the scene, breaking news coverage.

Radio Reporter / Producer III (BS-III) performs the following tasks under very limited to no supervision :

• All qualifications listed for a Radio Reporter / Producer II (BS-2) performed with an advanced proficiency. Thrives whether working independently or collaboratively in the pursuit of high-caliber, professional journalism.
• Plus at least six years of growing experience resulting in advanced skills with key elements of the job including : reporting situations, field news gathering, digital editing, hosting and announcing, with increasing responsibilities.
• Regularly files stories with NPR, Harvest Public Media and other organizations for national distribution.
• Is a go to member of the reporting staff in live, on the scene, breaking news coverage.

Message to Applicants

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering a broadly diverse and inclusive campus that respects all social identities, experiences, and perspectives.

To further this initiative, we are especially interested in candidates who will advance and promote an inclusive and supportive environment for every member of our university community.

You must submit an on-line application to be considered as an applicant for this position.

With your application and resume, please provide a cover letter expressing your interest in this position, and submit samples of your prior work.

These may include, but are not limited to, writing samples, examples of audio reports written, edited, and / or voiced by you, or any other materials that may be relevant to this position.

Position Title RADIO REPORTER / PRODUCER I / II / III Employment Status Full-Time Position Type 12 month Weekly Work Schedule Mon-Fri, 8 : 00 - 5 : 00 / weekends and evenings as needed Pay Range $34,000 - $44,000 per year