Metro East Reporter

St. Louis Public Radio (STLPR) is a multimedia nonprofit journalism organization and NPR member station seeking a general assignment reporter to cover the Metro East region of St. Louis. We’re looking for someone who knows the Metro East—or is eager to become deeply rooted in it. This role is ideal for a reporter who appreciates the region’s history, understands its communities, and wants to tell stories that reflect the people who live there.

The Metro East reporter will cover a large geographic area including several Illinois counties, such as St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, and others, as well as surrounding communities throughout southwestern Illinois. The beat encompasses fast-growing suburbs, historic river towns, local governments, schools, businesses, and the political topics and figures shaping policy in the region.

About the role

You’ll join an award-winning newsroom that covers communities across the bistate St. Louis region, in Rolla, Missouri, and in Quincy, Illinois. STLPR champions reporting that provides context and understanding while reflecting the diverse voices and perspectives in our community. Our reporters regularly have stories featured by NPR, Marketplace, and other nationally syndicated programs.

The position is based in Illinois, with the reporter splitting time between an office in the Metro East and our main newsroom in St. Louis. The ability to work independently while collaborating closely with editors and colleagues is essential. Radio experience is a plus but not required—we’re primarily looking for a strong journalist with excellent reporting and writing skills and a passion for local journalism.

Responsibilities

• Research, report, and produce stories and interviews for radio, digital, and other platforms that serve audiences across the St. Louis region.
• Write, voice, produce, and edit audio features for broadcast, digital, and on-demand listening.
• Build and maintain a robust network of sources throughout the Metro East to break news, identify enterprise stories, and deepen community connections.
• Cover local governments, public meetings, and other institutions while holding decision-makers accountable.
• Balance daily news coverage with ambitious enterprise reporting, all while meeting deadlines across multiple platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Two or more years of professional experience as a reporter, producer, or other journalism-related role.
• Experience thinking creatively about how to effectively tell stories on audio and digital platforms.
• Solid writing skills and familiarity with AP style.
• Experience reporting in the Metro East, preferred.
• Audio reporting experience, preferred.

Benefits

This job is an STLPR Guild-eligible position.

Pay

Salary range: $55,000 - $68,000 annual, commensurate with experience.