Freelance Reporter, Berks County (contract)

Summary: We are seeking an experienced reporter to freelance in Berks County for our team at Spotlight PA, an award-winning independent newsroom covering Pennsylvania’s Capitol and urgent statewide and regional issues. The mission of Spotlight PA is to hold powerful private and public forces to account by producing journalism that gets results and serves the public good. Spotlight PA has the largest collaborative local journalism network of its kind in the United States, with stories shared across more than 120 partner newsrooms, allowing our journalism to reach Pennsylvanians in all corners. The newsroom is supported by grants and donations from individual and institutional donors who believe in the value of the work and want to sustain it.

This independent contract role is part of our planned launch of a new Berks Bureau, which seeks to enhance investigative and public-service journalism in the county. In the months leading up to a formal launch in 2025, Spotlight PA seeks to establish its presence by hiring a freelance reporter to produce 1-2 enterprise/investigative news stories per month through the end of 2024. Read examples of the types of stories we seek here and here and here.

What you’ll do: The Berks freelance reporter will work with Spotlight PA editors to identify compelling stories throughout the county consistent with the newsroom’s statewide mission. The freelance reporter should have a strong working knowledge of Berks County and recent current events, and should feel confident in bringing story ideas to the table that are original, insightful, and impactful. Those stories may at times be in collaboration with other Spotlight PA journalists or those from partner news organizations. Some stories in the county might also be assigned.

We’re looking for candidates who: Candidates should have clips that show an ability to report beyond daily news, clearly communicate complex or sensitive topics to a general audience, and work with a diverse network of sources. Candidates should have a strong track record of accurate reporting, clear and concise writing, and journalism that conforms to the highest ethical standards. The best candidates will bring big ideas and a sense of urgency to work each day, and be eager to work with Spotlight PA’s team of like-minded reporters.

Some other ideal traits, though not essential:

• Fluency in foreign languages, particularly Spanish;
• A comfort with requesting, scrutinizing, and using data in the reporting process;
  
  

This contract position has a budgeted flat rate of $1,000-$1,500 per story, though adjustments may be made for longer / more extensive efforts. This position is fully remote. Pre-approved travel and related expenses will be reimbursed. Benefits are not included.

Applicants should include a resume, cover letter, and links to past work that showcase high-quality reporting similar to what we seek to create.

We know not everyone reading this will fit exactly what we’ve described. We encourage everyone to apply who shares our passion for indispensable journalism and our drive to create a sustainable business model to support it. Spotlight PA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, and we especially encourage members of underrepresented communities to submit an application, including women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ people, and individuals with disabilities.

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