Health Reporter

WABE is a service of 501c(3) non-profit organization Atlanta Educational Telecommunications Collaborative, Inc., operating under broadcast licenses from Atlanta Public Schools. WABE is comprised of 90.1 FM WABE, WABE-TV, wabe.org and numerous other podcast and digital offerings.

Summary:

WABE is looking for a reporter to cover the health beat in the home of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The position will of course cover Covid-19 news but also focus on health impacts and disparities on traditionally underrepresented communities in a very diverse metro area.

This position will produce daily news when appropriate as well as features. It will also work closely with National Public Radio (npr) and possibly Kaiser Health News. The health reporter will also be the lead host for the transition of our Covid-19 podcast to a general health podcast focused on the Atlanta area. The reporter’s involvement in the construction of that podcast with editorial leadership is strongly desired.

Similarly, the health reporter will work with other WABE beats (education, business, housing, criminal justice, environment, immigration and politics) and possibly other public media stations in the Southeast on collaborative projects, enterprise reporting and potentially special broadcasts. Interest in fill-in news hosting (or training to host) is a plus, but not required. The reporter must be able to build contacts within the health community as well as underreported communities that are targeted by the reporter and the direct editor. The position must be able to take complex items and make them accessible for our audience.

Accountabilities:
  • Writing quickly and accurately on deadline for radio, digital and social about complex issues for daily newscasts (when appropriate) and other platforms.
  • Serves as WABE reporter for local and national news programs, presenting local news and feature reports.
  • Works in cooperation with the news department to compile stories and live, on-air presentations of local content for news programs. This will be a combination of in-studio production, interviewing (some live), coverage of special news assignments as directed, working with technical equipment related to broadcasting.
  • Serves on behalf of the station as a spokesperson and/or representative at assigned station events or other community-related forums.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Journalism or Communications Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
  • At least three years of experience working in digital or broadcast journalism.
  • Impeccable news judgment and ethics.
  • Excellent writing and editing skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a creative team to solve problems and achieve common goals.
  • Experience with video and audio production tools, photography, social media.
  • Work with team for on-air pledge drives as directed.
  • Digital reporting/writing experience preferred.
  • Fluency in a second language is highly desired.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 5 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. Position, at least initially, will be located off-site in accordance with station policy on offsite work for most staff in response to coronavirus. Candidates must be willing and able to work from home but provide their own transportation to the station once off-site work conditions are lifted. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support departmental events.

Submit resume and cover letter to:
WABE
Attention: Human Resources
740 Bismark Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Fax: 678-553-3026
Apply online or Email: jobs@pba.org
EOE