Editorial Staff Reporter

Reports to: Silhouette Section Editor

Hours: Approx 4 - 6 hours per week

***Please see the bottom of posting for special instruction

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. The Sil employs an Editor-in-Chief and 18 undergraduate students part-time on its Editorial Board and welcomes the contributions of other students and community members throughout the year. 

This posting closes Sunday, April 26 at 11:59pm.

The Editorial Staff Reporter is expected to write one article per week during The Silhouette’s publication schedule. Reporters will primarily contribute to the section for which they were hired: News, Opinion, Arts & Culture, or Sports. Reporters are encouraged to explore other areas of the paper to gain a well-rounded newsroom experience and a broader understanding of how the publication operates.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Assignment function

• Search for stories at McMaster and in Hamilton by reading press releases, looking for events, and talking to students 

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

• Ensure accuracy of piece by researching topic and interviewing when applicable 

• Pitch article to Section Editor for approval 

Writing Function

• Write a 400-600 word article, that meets the mandate of the Silhouette, once per week of publication 

• Transcribe any interviews and upload them to SIL Drive, if applicable 

Editing Function

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

• Edits are added to the article in a timely fashion 
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

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

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

• Personal skills to work with colleagues and the public 

• Able to use Microsoft Word basic e-mail platforms 

• Time management and organizational skills 

• Editing ability 

• Interviewing and analysis skill 

• Rudimentary knowledge of Canadian media law and libel is an asset  

Effort & Responsibility 

• Attention to detail to maintain accuracy and balance 

• Persistence to get the right information from contacts 

• Responsible adherence to CFMU Radio Inc. Operating Policy – The Silhouette 

• 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 

Working Conditions

• Silhouette shared office around a lounge 

• Firm deadlines 

• 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 

Equipment

• Personal computer equipment for writing responsibilities 

• Recording tools for interviewing and transcribing
   

****In addition to your resume, please submit the following assignment:

• Assignment 

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please download the full job description.