STAFF REPORTER/WRITER APPLICATION REVISED JUNE 2016 Job Description for Staff Reporter/Writer
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The Hornet Tribune STAFF REPORTER/WRITER APPLICATION REVISED JUNE 2016 Job Description for Staff Reporter/Writer Job Summary for Staff Reporter/Writer The staff reporter/writer is the bread and butter of the newspaper staff. They are the ones on the ground that deliver updates and analysis that allow the public to witness and understand history in the making. Also known as student journalists, these reporter/writers keep the Alabama State University community informed by reporting on events, conducting interviews with key people, - cial, student interests and other events of interest for their readership/audience. Major responsibilities 1. Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events. 2. Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story. 3. Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar, and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines. 4. Review and evaluate notes taken about event aspects in order to isolate pertinent facts and details. 5. Determine a story’s emphasis, length, and format and organize material accordingly. 6. Reserarch and analyze background information related to stories in order to be able to provide complete and accurate information. 7. Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political events, news events, sporting events, artistic events, social events or other functions. 8. Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes or human interest stories. politics, foreign affairs, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime or education. 10. Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas. 11. Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions. facts. provide such coverage. 16. Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences. 17. Write columns, editorial, commentaries or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions. 18. Writer reviews of literary, musical, or other artwork, based on knowledge, judgment or experience. recycling, or renewable energy. 20. Meet all deadlines as given by the managing editor. Organizational Relationships Supervised by content or section editor Required Meetings and Hours Meets once every two weeks for staff meeting The Hornet Tribune Staff Reporter/Writer STAFF APPLICATION OFFICE USE ONLY Interview 1. _________ Grades 2. _________ Essay 3. _________ Experience/Writing Samples 4. _________ Resume’ 5. _________ TOTAL _________ Name ________________________________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Home/Permanent Address University Mailing Address Personal Information Academic Information Practical Journalistic Experience _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Academic Information (Continued) Personal Information _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Military Service Additional Information _______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ References Applicant’s Statement (Signature Required) The Selection Process for the Staff Reporter/Writer To be selected as a staff reporter/writer for THE ESSAY: The Hornet Tribune is an entry level position that read, graded and averaged by the Selection offers a number of opportunities for students who Committee members. It usually receives special want to express themselves. Any student chosen to work as a staff reporter/writer must work for at the essay is three-fold: (1) to get an idea of how least one semester on a media staff or support the applicant writes and develops a story; (2) to unit before he or she can be considered for up- take a look at the applicant’s critical thinking ward mobility. - The Selection Committee is made up of ness of his or her responses. the editor-in-chief, managing editor, staff adviser, After all criteria are considered, the Selec- coordinator for Student Expression and Multime- tion Committee- - view by telephone or in person. That decision - met. Once the screening is completed, the pro- ist’s application and includes telephone calls to teachers and others listed as references on the unless the number of applications received is very low. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Here are some of or the content editor is based upon these crite- the past of candidates who applied for the staff ria: reporter/writer position. Why do you want to be STUDENT’S JOURNALISTIC BACKGROUND staff reporter/writer for The Hornet Tribune? What AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE (OPTIONAL): This do you believe you can bring to the position in rating illustrates the candidate’s commitment to terms of skills attitude and goals? What have you scholarship. It consists of a look at the courses the done in the past that demonstrates you would applicant has taken and the grades earned in be an asset to this publication, and if selected, high school. List the courses taken in high school what will you do to move it forward? and college (journalism) on a separate sheet of Each applicant should prepare for the in- paper and submit them with this application. In terview well. A candidate whose ranking may addition, the Selection Committee would like to be at the bottom could be hired based on their review any articles or submissions that were au- responses during the interview. Your responses thored by you at Alabma State University, high will weigh heavily on the decision made for the school or any other university publication. position being sought. PRIOR EXPERIENCE: Prior experience as RESUME: The resume’ will be carefully a reporter/writer is not necessary. This is an en- analyzed to determine how much time and ef- try level position, so all students will be given the fort has been given to its preparation. Remem- utmost consideration, whether they have expe- rience or not. However, if the candidate has where several people are competing for a posi- samples of his/her work, it will be reviewed after tion, your resume’ may be the deciding factor. the interview and weight will be given to those Therefore, please include previous journalism ex- students who have exceptional writing skills. periences as well as employment experiences These reporting and writing experiences can be while attending both high school and college. gained in high school or college. We wish you much success. QUALIFICATIONS 1. Must be a full time student 2. Must have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average 3. Must have good character, never been convicted of a crime, or have a crime CHECKLIST The following materials must be submitted in order for you to be considered for a staff reporter/writer position on any of the aforementioned staffs: ___________1. Staff Writer Reporter/Writer Application the dates you were employed. ___________3. A high school or college transcript or a typed list of all of your ___________4. A 500-word Essay. This two-page essay must be typed and double spaced. ___________5. Prior Experience (Writing Samples optional) Your Essay . An Important Part of the Student Media Board’s Decision Your 500-word essay must be typed in an easy-to-read typewriter or com- puter print font. It is permissible to make minor editing marks, should you spot errors while proofreading. Often, panelists read and re-read an essay when deciding which students organized, straightforward piece. TOPIC: Write an essay regarding whether you feel that cigarette smoking should be banned throughout the nation, due to the health risks that it pos- es. BE SURE TO TYPE YOUR FULL NAME AT THE TOP OF EACH PAGE OF YOUR ESSAY. Please staple the essay to this page.