Newsperson (General Assignment Reporter, Los Angeles)

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

 

The Associated Press seeks an enterprising reporter with a proven track record of developing sources and breaking stories for a general assignment position in Los Angeles. This is a temporary position lasting seven months covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.

 

Responsibilities: In this role, you will seek to consistently break news and produce distinct, deeply reported enterprise about a variety of issues in Los Angeles. You should be a self-starter who knows how to build a story from the local level and frame it for broader audiences in the U.S. and around the world. This role will include general assignments around Los Angeles and California, including assisting with 2024 election coverage, and familiarity with the state’s top issues is desired. You will work closely with the California assistant news director and correspondent and other journalists across the state.

 

We’re looking for someone who will:

• have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate stories people will want to share on social media.

• quickly develop sources who will alert us to key news developments and explain what’s happening behind closed doors.

• have a keen eye for seeing broader political trends, and for seeing through spin, doublespeak and propaganda.

• collaborate with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats – text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.

• pursue innovative and inclusive news coverage.

• maintain AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.

• be responsive to general breaking news in the region – including at night and on weekends – as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.

 

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants should be gifted writers who can explain complex stories in clear and compelling ways and do so swiftly and accurately on tight deadlines. You should be comfortable working in multiple media formats, from the field and from the desk and be willing to approach stories with ambition. You are expected to be a collaborator with reporters in both California and across the AP.

 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least two years of full-time experience at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet or an AP bureau or regional desk.

• All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.

• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines.

 

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role and submit story clips that will help us assess your writing.

 

This position is covered by The Associated Press’ contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary for Class A staff of between $52,046 and $82,934 based on location and years of professional experience. AP may offer additional compensation based on a job candidate’s skills, qualifications, and market location. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan and employer-sponsored health insurance plan and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

 

Application Deadline:  March 25, 2024 @ 11:59 PM ET

 

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.