The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) program was launched by the Community Radio Fund of Canada and funded by the Government of Canada. The program is focusing on diverse, local communities that may be underserved in the Canadian news landscape. The goal is to increase the production of community and civic news in those areas and to make that news more accessible across the country.
We are hiring a LJI Journalist
Who We Are
Vancouver Co-operative Radio, CFRO, 100.5FM is an innovative non-profit community radio station & podcast recording studio providing a voice for those underrepresented in mainstream media. Each week, we provides access to community space, training and equipment for 300+ volunteers who produce 140 hours of original programming, in over 10 languages.
We are located the heart of the city, the Vancouver Downtown Eastside and have been since our beginnings in 1975. We are proud of our involvement in our community and with our public affairs shows, we try to provide airtime to many groups who are frequently ignored by the conventional media. We aim to cover issues and events from the perspective of the social movements involved in addressing them.
Description of the LJI program
It’s all about local and hyperlocal journalism.
The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) program was launched by the Community Radio Fund of Canada and funded by the Government of Canada. The program is focusing on diverse, local communities that may be underserved in the Canadian news landscape. The goal is to increase the production of community and civic news in those areas and to make that news more accessible across the country.
We’re elevating original, local community news.
Description of the journalist position
● Title: Radio News Reporter
● Term: 5 month contract position (freelancer)
● Salary: $30/hour including GST
● Ideal Start Date: as soon as possible
● Expected working hours: depending on the number of people hired, you will work 12 to 27 hours per week, to produce a daily 20 min news segment (interviews, event coverage, report, etc.) The show airs at 7 am every weekday and is, at this time, pre-recorded the day before. You organize your time the way you want, in order to deliver your segment by 6 or 7 pm the day before it airs.
Job Requirements – Who You Are
● Hold a degree or diploma in Journalism, Communications or Arts from an accredited academic or technical institution OR have equivalent experience in broadcast, print/digital journalism or writing (minimum 5 years of journalistic/radio experience).
● Excellent radio, interview and communication skills
● Excellent writing skills and research. You love storytelling – from the initial pitch to the publication
● Strong people skills: You are a great listener, speaker and interviewer
● Deadline-driven and have an eye for detail
● Knowledge of community and regional concerns or news and a passion for local journalism
● Strong skills in both a team setting and with independent work.
● Audio production skills and understanding of the radio community environment
● Critical thinking and ability to analyze issues and to remain impartial
● Social media savvy, for both posting and research purposes
Other qualifications/requirements
● Being familiar with Vancouver Downtown Eastside, its residents, organizations, businesses and officials.
● Understanding with diversity, different perspectives and sensitive/complex issues.
● Desire to drive news and interest in reporting on a range of topics centered on the DTES (social justice issues, Indigenous and LGBTQ+ rights, events and protests, environmental concerns, civic meetings, arts, etc.)
● Attend editorial meetings with station and LJI coordinators as needed.
We’re looking for dynamic, determined journalists who care about local, community and civic journalism.
If that sounds like you, please apply morningnews[@]coopradio.org with a cover letter describing why you want to work at the station, a current resume and a few examples of your work.
Vancouver Co-op Radio encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including (but not limited to) women, BIPOC individuals, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and people living with disabilities.
Thank you to everyone for your interest in the LJI program. Unfortunately, we can’t respond to all applicants – Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted. This position is funded by the Community Radio Fund of Canada and the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative.