Description

Summary: The Placer County Reporter covers the people, issues, and public decisions shaping one of California’s fastest-growing regions. Through community-centered reporting and public-service journalism, this position provides coverage of local government, housing, growth and development, infrastructure, education, and economic issues affecting Placer County residents. Our ideal team player builds trusted relationships throughout the community, identifies stories that matter to residents, and delivers timely, accurate, and impactful journalism that informs and engages the public across Abridged’s digital, newsletter, and multimedia platforms.

Requirements

Essential Functions

• Independently identifies, develops, prioritizes, and executes original enterprise and breaking news stories covering Placer County communities, including Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn, and surrounding areas, with a focus on issues affecting residents.
• Produces regular news stories, features, and explanatory pieces for Abridged, exercising professional editorial judgment in determining story angles, sources, reporting methods, and presentation.
• Establishes and maintains a consistent reporting presence throughout Placer County through attendance at public meetings, community events, neighborhood gatherings, and direct engagement with residents.
• Covers local government, housing, growth and development, infrastructure, education, economic trends, and other issues shaping the region’s future. Develops and maintains a broad network of sources, including residents, community leaders, educators, business owners, elected officials, public agencies, advocacy groups, and subject matter experts.
• Conducts accountability and enterprise reporting through interviews, public records requests, independent research, and analysis of public documents and data.
• Reviews budgets, planning documents, development proposals, public records, and government reports to identify trends, impacts, and emerging stories.
• Collaborates with editors, visual journalists, and multimedia staff to develop cross-platform storytelling initiatives, including multimedia and data-driven coverage.
• Contributes to editorial planning and pitches story ideas that reflect genuine community information needs and underserved perspectives.
• Coordinates with other Abridged reporters on regional issues, cross-county trends, and collaborative reporting projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be mission-driven and passionate about the role of public media.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in technology and software to enhance efficiency in editing, newsroom management, database organization, and analytics.
• Clear, open, and proactive communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative and works effectively with diverse stakeholders as a team.
• Positively and professionally represents PBS KVIE and Abridged throughout the community, and in forums and events related to news and information.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and develop productive relationships with sources across diverse communities.
• Strong news judgment and ability to identify meaningful stories through community engagement, observation, and source development.
• Ability to communicate complex public policy, development, infrastructure, housing, and community issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience utilizing public records laws, investigative reporting techniques, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage a beat with minimal day-to-day direction, and consistently generate original story ideas. 

Education/Experience

• BA/BS degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Public Affairs, English, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 3 – 5 years of professional journalism experience covering local government, community affairs, public policy, regional news, and related beats.
• Experience covering California communities, local government, education, housing, development, or growth-related issues preferred.
• Familiarity with Placer County or demonstrated ability to quickly develop expertise and strong community connections preferred.

Special Conditions

• Must have a valid California driver’s license and meet insurance standards.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as needed. 
• Local travel required.