General Assignment Reporter

Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR) , the nonprofit public media organization serving Western North Carolina, is seeking a General Assignment Reporter . We're looking for a curious, collaborative multimedia journalist to help our audiences understand the issues, people, culture, and communities shaping life in Western North Carolina. You'll cover a wide range of stories across the Asheville metropolitan area, build trusted source relationships, and produce journalism that informs, engages, and reflects the region we serve. At BPR, you will work across platforms and are encouraged to pursue stories that matter to our communities. While much of this role focuses on daily news reporting, the General Assignment Reporter will have the opportunity to develop enterprise and long‑form stories as you build expertise and source networks throughout the region. Responsibilities Report and produce 3–4 short stories per week for broadcast and digital platforms. Generate story ideas and respond to breaking and developing news. Build and maintain relationships with sources and communities throughout the coverage area. Conduct interviews and gather high‑quality audio and photos in the field. Write clear, accurate and engaging stories for radio and digital audiences. Collaborate with editors to strengthen reporting, storytelling, and audience impact. Contribute to social media and audience engagement efforts. Pursue enterprise and long‑form projects as assigned. Participate in editorial meetings, develop story ideas for the news department, and contribute to team collaborations. Employ the highest journalistic standards for fairness, accuracy, and integrity. Follow public media ethical standards, local and AP editorial guidelines, and BPR policies and procedures. Actively pitch stories to NPR and other national/regional programs to expand representation of WNC in national/regional news coverage. Work occasional nights and weekends and some extended hours during breaking news and special coverage situations. Participate in on‑air and digital fundraising initiatives. Participate in station events. Regularly participate in professional development opportunities. Other duties, as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Three or more years of professional journalism experience. Demonstrated excellence in reporting, writing, interviewing, and research. Ability to produce accurate and engaging journalism under deadline. Experience working both independently and collaboratively in a newsroom environment. Proficiency with digital publishing platforms and social media tools. Ability to gather and edit audio for broadcast and digital storytelling. Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout BPR's coverage area. Ability to lift and carry reporting equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Must live in or be willing to relocate to the Asheville metropolitan area. Preferred Qualifications Experience reporting for a public media organization. Experience producing radio news spots, features, or long‑form audio stories. Video production and editing experience. Knowledge of Western North Carolina or demonstrated ability to quickly learn about a new coverage area. Experience with audience engagement, newsletters, or social media content creation. Compensation Annual salary range of $55,000–$62,000, commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits Medical Insurance (80% paid) Dental Insurance (80% paid) Vision Insurance (80% paid) Short‑term Disability Long‑term Disability Paid Vacation Paid Sick Leave Paid Holidays 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Match Life Insurance Phone/Internet Stipend Parking Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Professional Development Opportunities Requirements Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship Lift up to 25 pounds (field gear) Accept a background check to be performed Physically work in Asheville (not remote) Equal Opportunity Employer Blue Ridge Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Blue Ridge Public Radio are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, generation, family or parental status, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr