Reporter, Arts & Culture

Hybrid position based in San Francisco. Hourly rate: $44.71 - $52.88.

About the role

This position requires an experienced reporter capable of reporting daily news and feature stories in an authoritative and conversational manner that connects with audiences. KQED reporters produce journalism across all platforms—audio, text, social media, and other digital formats—including spots, features, cut-and-copy, voicers, and live on-air debriefings for broadcast. Reporters also write text stories and produce online news content, including video, email newsletters, and app-based content.

Reporters contribute to news planning, stay informed on daily local and national news, and collaborate across departments under deadline pressure.

Arts & Culture focus

The Arts & Culture Reporter is part of a team responsible for comprehensively and accurately reporting on the arts and culture shaping life in the Bay Area. This role involves developing beats, sources, and areas of expertise to break news, pursue ongoing coverage, and provide analysis. Coverage areas include visual arts, music, film, theatre, literature, and performing arts, with a focus on presenting institutions, arts funding (public and private), social issues, and notable figures in the Bay Area arts landscape.

Stories may take the form of features, explainers, artist profiles, performance or exhibition reviews, obituaries, event previews, or zeitgeist pieces. The reporter will also file regularly for radio newscasts and adapt stories for social video. KQED prioritizes diverse and inclusive storytelling, centering marginalized communities in its work.

Responsibilities

• Research, report, and write daily arts news stories for the website and file regular spots for radio newscasts.
• Appear on various KQED platforms (social video, podcasts, panel discussions) to broaden arts coverage reach.
• Assist editors and the KQED News team in developing coverage strategies and daily assignments.
• File stories online, adhering to protocols for images, captions, and content management.
• Participate in special editorial series, live events, and projects to meet evolving audience needs.
• Maintain a directory of sources and attend arts events and performances.
• Collaborate across departments and with partner organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of professional experience as a broadcast, print, and/or online journalist, including news reporting, editing, and production.
• Excellent reporting and news writing skills, with the ability to write quickly and accurately across platforms while maintaining correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and pronunciation.
• Strong news judgment and ability to verify information and communicate facts accurately.
• Proficiency in radio production techniques and on-air voicing skills.
• Fluency in web, mobile, and social media editing and publishing.
• Ability to interview and communicate with a wide variety of individuals.
• Experience using mobile and digital tools for research and communication.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure while managing multiple projects.
• Proven collaboration skills for working with colleagues and partner organizations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough command of journalistic principles, ethics, and standards.

This role is hybrid, working between KQED’s headquarters and remotely. The successful candidate will be required to join the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).