News Reporter

Term: September 1 - April 30

Reports to:   Silhouette News Editor

Rate: B2

Hours: 6 - 8 Hours per week

The Silhouette is McMaster University’s student-run newspaper. The Sil has been in publication for over 80 years, first hitting the newsstands in the fall of 1930. To see more on the MSU site, click here. 

Overview 

Whether it’s a breaking news story or an ongoing investigation,
Silhouette
reporters will be there and are committed to informing the student body of the issues and concerns that affect their lives. The Sil’s sports section is your best way to keep up with the exploits of the many Mac varsity teams, while Arts & Culture provides useful and insightful profiles, features, and tips to help you get the most out of student life. The Sil’s opinions section is your own forum through which you can speak to the masses. Got something to say? Submit an OpEd piece by two days prior to that week’s publication. 

Please note this posting closes Wednesday, July 2 at 11:59pm. 

The News Reporter
writes two stories a week for the News section under the direction of the News Editor.
They are responsible for generating their own story ideas and are expected to be fairly autonomous and independent. 

Research & Assignment Function     45% 

• Search for stories on campus by maintaining contacts and visiting University departments 


• Maintain communication with section editor to ensure no crossover of content and that stories are relevant to students 


• Ensure accuracy by research and with back issues of The Silhouette 

Writing Function     45% 

• Research the story, attend events, and contact people involved 


•  Two stories a week minimum, one for publication in the Silhouette and for broadcast on 93.3 CFMU 

Editing Function    10% 

• Ensure stories are accurate, coherent, balanced, grammatical, and otherwise well written 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to write grammatically correct sentences and coherent stories in accordance with Canadian Press style 


• Assertive and clear communication ability to reach contacts and ascertain correct facts 


• Personal skills to work with colleagues, volunteers, and the public 


• Able to use Microsoft Word basic e-mail platforms 


• Time management and organizational skills 


• Editing ability 


• Interviewing and analysis skills 


• Knowledge of Media Law 

Effort & Responsibility 

• Attention to detail to maintain accuracy and balance 


• Persistence to get the right information from contacts 


• Approach subjects as layperson in order to get the appropriate information from contacts and provide an objective and clear account 


• Effort required to maintain consistency of work during long hours 

Working Conditions 

• Silhouette office (open office with many computer terminals and a lounge) 


• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work 

Training and Experience 

• Journalism experience (previous volunteer experience with the Silhouette an asset) 


• Computer and basic photography training will be provided 


• Rudimentary knowledge of media 

Equipment 

• Computer equipment for writing responsibilities 


• Recording tools for interviewing and transcribing