LJI Journalist (Local Journalism Initiative 2024)

The Coast 89.7 (CKOA-FM) is a non-profit community radio station serving the CBRM. The station began broadcasting full-time at 6000 watts on December 3, 2007. We have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers delivering live radio programming on a daily basis. Our station’s focus is local first, with emphasis on local and regional news and music. Our station makes local news a priority to keep our community well informed. Our newsroom prides itself on being fair and balanced in its coverage.

Description of the LJI Program:

The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) program was launched by the Community Radio Fund of Canada and funded by the Government of Canada. The program is focusing on diverse, local communities that may be underserved in the Canadian news landscape. The goal is to increase the production of community and civic news in those areas and to make that news more accessible across the country. We’re elevating original, local community news.

Description of the Journalist position:

• Title: Radio News Reporter
• Term: 7 month contract position
• Salary: $25 per hour at 35 hrs per week - $875 per week for 28 weeks
• Ideal Start Date: September 16, 2024
• Expected working hours: Morning, afternoon, evenings, hours must be flexible, to facilitate field reporting.

Job Requirements – Who You Are

• Hold a degree or diploma in Journalism, Communications or Arts from an accredited academic or technical institution OR have equivalent experience in broadcast, print/digital journalism or writing (minimum 5 years of journalistic/radio experience).
• Excellent radio, interview and communication skills
• Excellent writing skills and research. You love storytelling–from the initial pitch to the publication
• Strong people skills: You are a great listener, speaker and interviewer
• Deadline-driven and have an eye for detail
• Knowledge of community and regional concerns or news and a passion for local journalism
• Strong skills in both a team setting and with independent work.
• Audio production skills and understanding of the radio community environment
• Critical thinking and ability to analyze issues and to remain impartial
• Social media savvy, for both posting and research purposes

Other qualifications/requirements:

• Understanding with diversity, different perspectives and sensitive/complex issues.
• Desire to drive news and interest in reporting on a range of topics including covering city hall, courthouse, band council or issues like affordable housing, employment, environmental concerns, mental health, poverty, Indigenous rights, LGBTQ+ rights, etc.)
• Attend editorial meetings with station and LJI coordinators as needed.

We’re looking for a dynamic, determined journalist who cares about local, community and civic journalism.

If that sounds like you, please apply to The Coast 89.7 CKOA-FM 170 George Street, Sydney, NS B1P 1J2 Attn: General Manager or email bill@coastalradio.ca with a cover letter describing why you want to work at the station, a current resume and a few examples of your work. (You can also apply online below using the form.)

The Coast 89.7 CKOA-FM encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including (but not limited to) women, BIPOC individuals, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and people living with disabilities.

Thank you to everyone for your interest in the LJI program. Unfortunately, we can’t respond to all applicants. Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

This position is funded by the Community Radio Fund of Canada and the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative.