Statehouse/Politics Reporter

Description

Department: News
Status: Full-Time
End Date: June 18, 2025

About The Position

The state of California is not politically monolithic, and Capital Public Radio is looking for a Statehouse reporter who can tell stories explaining the nuances facing our state's lawmakers and political influencers, with a commitment to diversity of sources, ideas and issues. 

Capital Public Radio is looking for a journalist who believes in the watchdog role of the press and who can translate complicated policy, regulation and legislation into compelling copy that explains how the legislature's actions affect the daily lives of our audience. 

A great candidate for this role will be able to provide thorough, thoughtful reporting while also focusing on analysis, enterprise and exposition. The statehouse reporter is excellent at connecting with sources and is able to see the big story lurking in the small details. Above all, we are looking for a statehouse reporter who is endlessly curious and thrives in exploring how the government impacts the lives of everyone in the state. 

CapRadio reporters are responsible for producing in-depth, context-driven journalism across multiple platforms, including audio, text, and digital formats. They cover daily news, features, and enterprise projects, ensuring high-quality reporting that meets the editorial standards of the newsroom. 

Reporters demonstrate proficiency in daily and breaking news coverage, spot news writing, feature writing, cut-and-copy scripts, voicers, and live on-air debriefs. They also produce compelling digital content, including web stories, and newsletters.

In addition to reporting, journalists in this role contribute to daily news planning, staying informed on local and national developments through multiple sources. They work collaboratively across newsroom roles, engaging with colleagues of varying experience levels. Reporters must be able to adapt to different assignments and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 

Most of your output will be short-form daily news, but you’ll also have the space to produce a monthly long-form piece that dives deeper into the stories that shape life in Sacramento and the Central Valley.

Please note, prior experience in both broadcasting (either radio or television) and political reporting is a must for this position. Previous experience in statehouse reporting is a plus. 

The position of Reporter II requires at least three (3) years of full-time professional journalism experience or other equivalent experience.

The position of Reporter III requires at least six (6) years of full-time professional journalism experience or other equivalent experience.

Essential Functions 

Content Creation: 

• Research, write, record audio, edit, and produce high-quality news content for multiple platforms (broadcast, digital, newsletter and social media). 
• Generate original story ideas and enterprise content. 

Field Reporting: 

• Conduct on-the-ground reporting, including interviews, live coverage, and real-time updates. 
• Gather audio content to enhance storytelling and occasional photographic content as assigned by news leadership. 

Story Development: 

• Identify and pitch compelling stories aligned with audience interests and newsroom priorities. 
• Develop stories from inception to publication, ensuring accuracy and fairness. 

Live Broadcasting: 

• Deliver live reports and breaking news coverage, providing clear and concise information. 

Editing and Production: 

• Use editing software to finalize stories with strong sound.
• Produce multi-platform content tailored to specific audiences. 

Digital Engagement: 

• Write web and newsletter articles, occasionally contributing to the creation of social media posts. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: 
• Work closely with producers, editors, and hosts/anchors to create cohesive stories. Communicate effectively with newsroom teams for seamless workflow. 

Ethics and Accuracy: 

• Adhere to journalistic standards, including fact-checking and ethical reporting. 
• Stay updated on newsroom policies and legal guidelines. 

Essential Responsibilities 

CapRadio reporters are key contributors to the station’s broadcast, digital, and newsletter platforms, producing high-quality journalism that informs and engages the audience. 

Within 90 days of employment, reporters will meet the below standards. 

Participation in Newsroom Activities: 

• Attend and actively contribute to daily editorial meetings. 
• Participate in weekly check-in meetings with their supervisor. 
• Engage in monthly newsletter and digital pitch meetings. 
• Contribute to monthly CapRadio Network pitch meetings. 
• Contribute to monthly Insight pitch meetings for feature storytelling opportunities.
• Assist with live and recorded coverage of breaking news, special events, or severe weather, as needed and at the discretion of news leadership

Content Production: 

• Pitch and create content for newscast and website

Additional Duties: 

Ensure all content adheres to CapRadio’s Content Policy, including established guidelines for articles, photos, and broadcasts. 

Collaborate across teams to meet the station's journalistic standards and deliver consistent, high-quality storytelling. 

Adapt to newsroom priorities by producing timely and accurate reports in fast-paced situations. 

Stay informed on current events and engage in ongoing professional development to maintain excellence in reporting. 

Requirements

• Professional experience as a broadcast (radio or television) journalist, including news reporting, editing and production. 
• Excellent reporting skills. 
• Excellent news writing skills; the ability to write quickly and accurately, with an understanding of tone and style across platforms; proficiency using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and pronunciation 
• Ability to accurately communicate facts and verify information. 
• Excellent news judgment. 
• Good editing skills. 
• Thorough command of journalistic principles, ethics and standards. 
• Strong command of sound editing and production techniques. 
• High proficiency of on-air voicing skills. 
• Ability to interview and communicate with a variety of individuals. 
• Ability to research and communicate through a variety of mobile and digital tools. Ability to meet deadlines and goals while working under pressure 
• Proven collaboration skills — which are essential in working with fellow CapRadio staffers across departments and with partner organizations 
• Strong time management skills. Ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects at once. 
• California driver’s license and evidence of insurability 

Background Check

CapRadio will require employment and education verification for each new hire.

This role is a hybrid position. You must be able to commute to our Sacramento, CA office on a regular basis.

Salary

The annual salary for this role is $66,650 to $73,000. 

CapRadio also offers:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Paid holidays
• Flexible Vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending plan for health and dependent care

Apply

Please upload your resume and cover letter along with a minimum of three (3) work samples. 

Please note, prior experience in both broadcasting (either radio or television) and political reporting is a must for this position. Previous experience in statehouse reporting is a plus.

Applicants with disabilities may request and receive reasonable accommodations to apply for the position. If you have any inquiries or trouble submitting your application materials to the link, please contact us at [email protected] or call 916-278-8992

You can address your letter to the hiring manager for this position, Nia Towne, Chief Content Officer.

CapRadio

Attn: Human Resources

7055 Folsom Blvd. 

Sacramento, CA 95826

Capital Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer.