Editorial Staff Reporters
Reports to: Silhouette Section Editor
Hours: Approx 4 - 6 hours per week
***Please see the bottom of posting for special instruction
The Silhouette is McMaster University’s student-run newspaper. The Sil has been in publication for over 80 years, first hitting the newsstands in the fall of 1930. The Sil employs an Editor-in-Chief and 18 undergraduate students part-time on its Editorial Board and welcomes the contributions of other students and community members throughout the year.
This posting closes September 30 at 11:59pm, however, we will be reviewing candidates immediately.
The Editorial Staff Reporter is expected to write one article per week during The Silhouette’s publication schedule. Reporters will primarily contribute to the section for which they were hired: News, Opinion, Arts & Culture, or Sports. Reporters are encouraged to explore other areas of the paper to gain a well-rounded newsroom experience and a broader understanding of how the publication operates.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Research and Assignment function
- Search for stories at McMaster and in Hamilton by reading press releases, looking for events, and talking to students
- Maintain communication with section editor to ensure no crossover of content and that stories are relevant to students
- Ensure accuracy of piece by researching topic and interviewing when applicable
- Pitch article to Section Editor for approval
Writing Function
- Write a 400-600 word article, that meets the mandate of the Silhouette, once per week of publication
- Transcribe any interviews and upload them to SIL Drive, if applicable
Editing Function
- Ensure stories are accurate, coherent, balanced, grammatical, and otherwise well written
- Edits are added to the article in a timely fashion
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to write grammatically correct sentences and coherent stories in accordance with Canadian Press and Silhouette style
- Assertive and clear communication ability to reach contacts and ascertain correct facts
- Personal skills to work with colleagues and the public
- Able to use Microsoft Word basic e-mail platforms
- Time management and organizational skills
- Editing ability
- Interviewing and analysis skill
- Rudimentary knowledge of Canadian media law and libel is an asset
Effort & Responsibility
- Attention to detail to maintain accuracy and balance
- Persistence to get the right information from contacts
- Responsible adherence to CFMU Radio Inc. Operating Policy – The Silhouette
- Approach subjects as layperson in order to get the appropriate information from contacts and provide an objective and clear account
- Effort required to maintain consistency of work
Working Conditions
- Silhouette shared office around a lounge
- Firm deadlines
- Time demands may exceed stated hours of work
Training and Experience
- Journalism experience (previous volunteer experience with the Silhouette an asset)
- Computer and basic photography training will be provided
Equipment
- Personal computer equipment for writing responsibilities
- Recording tools for interviewing and transcribing
****In addition to your resume, please submit the following assignment:
For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please download the full job description.