Weekend Reporter Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

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 September 30 at 11:59pm, however, we will begin reviewing candidates immediately.

The Audio Staff Reporter is expected to produce one audio segment per week during The Silhouette's publication schedule. Reporters will primarily contribute to the Frequency show associated with the section for which they were hired: News, Opinion, Arts & Culture, or Sports. The Reporteris responsible forcreating engaging,accurate, and student-focused audio journalism. This includes conducting interviews, producing reported features,participatingin panel discussions, and contributing to recurring show segments. Audio Staff Reporters collaborate with their Section's Associate Editor and may coordinate with editorial staff to support cross-platform storytelling initiatives.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Assignment Function

• Search for audio story opportunities at McMaster and in Hamilton by monitoring campus developments, events, and community issues

• Pitch segment ideas to theSection'sAssociate Editor for approval

• Conduct background research and pre-interviews to ensure informed andaccuratereporting

• Maintain communication with the Associate Editor to ensure content istimelyand relevant

Audio Production Function

• Produce one audio segment per week (interview, feature, or reported piece) for the assigned Frequency show

• Conduct and record interviews using approved recording equipment

• Participate in show discussions or recurring segments as assigned

• Submit recorded content ina timelyfashion

Editing Function

• Ensure segments areaccurate, coherent, balanced, and ethically sound

• Verify facts prior to recording and broadcast

• Incorporate edits and feedbackin a timely manner
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to speak clearly and confidently on-air

• Ability to conduct engaging, conversational interviews

• Assertive and professional communication when reaching out to contacts

• Personal skills to work with colleagues and the public

• Time management and organizational skills

• Basic audio recording knowledge (training provided)

• Interviewing and analytical skills

• Rudimentary knowledge of Canadian media law and broadcast standards is an asset

• Ensure audio quality, clarity, and professionalism consistent withSilhouetteand CFMU standards

• Adhere toSilhouettepolicies, CFMU broadcasting standards, Canadian media law, and libel guidelines

Effort & Responsibility

• Attention to detail tomaintainfactual accuracy and balance

• Persistence in securing interviews and relevant sources

• Ability to approach subjects as a layperson to ensure clarity for listeners

• Effort required tomaintainconsistency of weekly productionand deadlines

• Responsible adherence toCFMU Radio Inc. Operating Policy -The Silhouette

Working Conditions

• Silhouette office and/or CFMU studio environment

• On-location interviews may berequiredaround McMaster campus

• Exposure to various weather conditions

• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work

Training and Experience

• Journalism, broadcasting, podcasting, or related experience preferred (previousSilhouette or CFMU experience an asset

• Audio recording and editing training will be provided

• Silhouette training over the summer

Equipment

• Personal computerrequiredfor research and scripting

• Studio and portable recording equipmentprovided

• Editing software access throughSilhouette/CFMU

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

Assignment

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