WSLR News Reporter

WSLR News is hiring a full time reporter to help power independent, community focused journalism on Florida’s Suncoast.

Sarasota is a dynamic news environment where local decisions often make national headlines. Our newsroom is guided by a commitment to truth, accountability, and community service. We produce stories that resonate locally and attract attention across the country, with a special focus on giving context to complex issues and amplifying voices that are too often overlooked.

WSLR+Fogartyville is Sarasota’s community media and arts center, an independent, listener supported station providing trusted local journalism and original programming from our studios at 525 Kumquat Court.

Our newsroom produces a weekday local newscast, longer form features, and public affairs programming. You will join a small, collaborative team that values initiative, teamwork, curiosity, and integrity.

The WSLR News Reporter position combines daily reporting with coordinating the afternoon news shift and anchoring the newscast.

This is a live broadcast newsroom. You will:

Report from the field and broadcast on air daily

Work under deadline while collaborating with volunteer reporters and interns

Cover local government, schools, elections, housing, environment, and grassroots organizing

Report on social justice and community issues with accuracy and context

Gather high quality audio from press conferences, community events, and interviews

Write clear, concise radio copy in broadcast style

Frequently anchor the weekday afternoon newscast live on air

Edit and mix stories using Audacity or comparable digital audio tools

Contribute to a newsroom culture of inclusion, learning, and collaboration

Strong production and technical skills are important, but teachable for the right candidate with solid journalistic instincts and a good ear for radio.

This is a full time, on site position based at our Sarasota studio, with field reporting throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties and some evenings, weekends, and election coverage expected.

We are looking for someone who is:

Deeply committed to truth, fairness, and ethical journalism

Strong in reporting, interviewing, writing, and fact checking

Comfortable on air in both studio and field settings

Familiar with digital audio editing and willing to learn more advanced skills

Organized, deadline driven, and able to work independently while guiding volunteers

Preferred experience includes local politics or community affairs reporting, familiarity with broadcast boards and automation systems, bilingual skills, and knowledge of Florida public records or investigative practices.

Salary range:
45,000 to 50,000 dollars annually
, depending on experience

Benefits:
24 days of accrued PTO per year and flexible scheduling

Reports to the News and Public Affairs Director

FLSA status:
Exempt

WSLR is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive newsroom that reflects the diversity of our community.