LAW AND JUSTICE REPORTER

Job Description

LAW AND JUSTICE REPORTER

KERA, the public media company of North Texas, is seeking an enterprising and ambitious Law and Justice Reporter to join the KERA News team.


WHO WE ARE:
Serving the country’s fourth-largest media market, KERA reaches more than 5 million people monthly through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, WRR and The Denton Record-Chronicle as well as through national shows Think and From the Top. For more than 65 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for community engagement and lifelong learning.

As we seek to recognize and reflect our audience and communities, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and points of view to consider employment opportunities at KERA.


POSITION SUMMARY:
KERA’s Law and Justice Reporter covers the intersection of civil and criminal law with public policy, and the real-world impact on Texans – with a strong focus on accountability journalism.

The Law and Justice Reporter will report on the role of the courts in shaping the lives of everyday people in North Texas. Coverage will focus on identifying important issues that affect people from all walks of life in North Texas that either have been raised in legal cases or are likely to end up in court. We’re interested in identifying malfeasance by government officials, civil rights violations, environmental hazards and dangerous products. This will include coverage of the Texas Supreme Court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, lower state courts and the federal courts. While this reporter may occasionally cover a high-profile trial, this is not a traditional court reporting position. Rather, it’s about putting a human face on the major issues facing Texas -- which is often a bellwether for the rest of the country. 

This reporter would also cover access to justice, including indigent and public defense, but is not primarily responsible for covering police, jails, prisons or the criminal justice system. 

The ideal candidate is a passionate journalist who knows the importance of putting a human face to complicated legal and cultural issues. The reporter will be comfortable digging through court documents and public records, developing sources and breaking stories on topics affecting all Texans — all while remaining firmly rooted in the ethics and standards of public media. This person will take the lead on all major breaking legal news and provide deep, nuanced and thoughtful analysis of not only what the judiciary decides but how they got there and why it matters.

We’re looking for a strong digital reporter who’s comfortable going live on the radio. On-air experience is not a requirement for this job — we can teach you — but will include radio production. 

The position is based in Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton, with statewide and national reach: KERA leads The Texas Newsroom - a landmark regional news hub of public radio stations across the state and NPR. 

This position is classified as FLSA non-exempt, is eligible for overtime and reports to the Managing Editor, KERA News.


WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Write, voice and produce engaging stories for radio and digital platforms from interviews, research, data and analysis
• Find creative ways to report on news that touches everyone, with an emphasis on enterprise reporting delivered with the context and creativity public radio is known for. The goal: High impact with deep substance
• Develop distinctive digital and audio stories focused in the KERA listening area of North Texas, with statewide and national context and impact
• Work collaboratively as part of KERA’s team to contribute compelling story ideas and experiment with innovative storytelling techniques
• Create and participate in online and in-person events
• Participate in extensive training opportunities in the newsroom, in departments across KERA and across the state with The Texas Newsroom
  
   

As a KERA employee:

• Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures 
• Participate in fundraising activities as needed and assigned
• Perform additional duties as assigned  

This list of job duties is not exhaustive and is subject to regular reviews and updates    


 

Job Requirements

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL:
We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences, and passions. If you don't meet every job qualification but have some of these skills and think you’re the right person for the job, we'd like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself. 

• Proven ability to quickly write, voice and produce radio and digital stories 
• Passion for accountability journalism and daily news
• Demonstrated commitment to community representation in reporting and sourcing
• Solid knowledge of Associated Press style, ability to exercise sound news judgment and follow KERA/NPR ethics and editorial standards 
• Passionate and enthusiastic about public media journalism and serving a North Texas audience 
• Valid driver’s license and insurance required for assignments/activities that involve work outside of the office
  
   

BONUS IF YOU BRING:

• Proven background in covering law and justice. 
• Experience with one or more of the following: audio production; multimedia production, particularly photography or video; hands-on audio editing and innovative audio storytelling; working with one or more content management systems; other relevant technical expertise. 
• Knowledge of North Texas people, cultures, issues and geography as well as national and international issues and events. 
• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages common in Texas. 

SALARY RANGE
$60,000 - $65,000 annually, depending on experience

BENEFITS

• Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• KERA-paid short and long-term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment
• 401k plan with KERA-contribution after 6 months
• Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household
• Strong company culture focused on connection, belonging and professional growth

 
LOCATION:
We expect that this position will work out of our Dallas office at least 40% of the time. (Equivalent to 16 hours per week)

Time in office requirements are subject to change based on the needs of KERA and/or the position.


HOW TO APPLY:

• Complete the application on KERA’s employment page.
• Add an optional cover letter indicating why you’re excited about joining the KERA team.

 
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
We generally close roles 2-4 weeks after posting. The hiring process may continue for several weeks after the closing of the role depending on the number of applicants.


KERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

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