Wisconsin Watch seeks an experienced, passionate journalist to create, direct and produce concise, compelling audio and video reports that deliver trustworthy, independent, nonpartisan local news to audiences we’re not reaching now.
Audio reports will be distributed through commercial and public radio stations across Wisconsin, including areas with few local news sources and low access to high-speed broadband. Video shorts will be distributed through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and other social networks, serving audiences that get their news primarily via mobile devices.
As a key election battleground state, Wisconsin draws enormous volumes of political advertising and propaganda, much of it spreading false or misleading information. Wisconsin Watch counters that with fair, honest and transparent government reporting, investigative reporting and fact-checking to help people make informed decisions. We seek someone with the skills to bring the key findings of this reporting to audiences that have few sources of accurate local news and information. We’re also looking for someone with the creativity to share these stories in a compelling way.
Duties and responsibilities:
● Work with reporters and editors to shape high-quality audio reports summing up fact-check findings and key news of the week.
● Communicate with commercial and public radio news directors to distribute audio news reports and fact checks on a regular schedule.
● Produce compelling video shorts that highlight the findings of important news stories and fact checks.
● Coach reporters in recording high-quality interviews and sound for audio reports.
● Shoot, assign, edit and assemble video, photographs and graphics for video reports.
● Discern the best stories to feature in our audio and video highlights from our daily and weekly news reports, including investigative stories, follow-ups, fact-checks, newsletter content, and wire service reports.
● Take part in news meetings, identifying stories with strong audio and social video potential, and working with editors and reporters to produce, write and direct these reports.
● Oversee development and launch of new audio and video offerings, working with our audience director to ensure meaningful engagement with target audiences.
● Arrange, record, direct, and produce interviews in both studio and field settings, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
● Assist in promoting and marketing audio and video reports and shows, including creating synopses, social media content, and working with news distribution partners.
● Work with partners to have audio reports translated into Spanish for distribution to Spanish-language radio stations.
Qualifications:
● Training and experience in journalism or a related field. Commitment to our standards, including the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.
● Experience producing video content for digital platforms.
● Experience producing audio content for radio and digital platforms.
● Strong editorial decision-making skills.
● Understanding of web technology, CMS (content management system) systems, digital video, digital audio, live streaming, video editing, and web analytics.
● Excellent communication skills, online and in person, with the community and fellow journalists.
● Working knowledge of various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.
● Experience collaborating on scripts for a variety of audio and video projects, including podcast series, would be a plus.
Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit news company providing trustworthy reporting that investigates problems, explores solutions and serves the public. Our mission is to strengthen the quality of community life and self-government in Wisconsin by providing people with the knowledge they need to navigate their lives, drive forward solutions and hold those with power accountable. We pursue the truth through accurate, fair, independent, rigorous, nonpartisan reporting. We value transparency, collaboration, innovation and a spirit of public service. These priorities guide our investigations, which
expose wrongdoing and deficiencies, explore solutions to problems and bear witness to those in vulnerable circumstances. The same values guide our training of the next generation of journalists.
Location: The audio/video director should be located in Wisconsin, preferably in the greater Madison or greater Milwaukee areas.
Salary and benefits: Wisconsin Watch offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including generous vacation (five weeks) plus holiday time (six days of your choosing), paid sick days, paid family and caregiver leave, subsidized medical and dental premiums, vision coverage, short term and long term disability, self-funded 403(b) retirement plan and more.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by May 10, 2024.
To apply: Please submit a PDF of your resume and answer some brief questions in this application form. If you’d like to chat about the job before applying, contact Kristina Spinelli at kspinelli@wisconsinwatch.org.
Wisconsin Watch embraces anti-racism, diversity and inclusiveness in its journalism, training activities, hiring practices and workplace operations. The complex issues we face as a society require respect for different viewpoints. Race, class, generation, gender and geography all affect point of view. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.
