About the Role: We’re looking for writers and reporters who want an ongoing, flexible relationship with a newsroom. This is a freelance contract position where you choose your own hours and work on stories that matter to your community.
We publish two distinct publications covering local news and arts and culture. We’re hiring for two different beats, and you should apply to whichever one matches your interests and strengths.
Track One: Civic and Government News
We need writers to cover city councils, fiscal courts, school boards, planning and zoning commissions, and public meetings in the local area. This is essential journalism — covering the meetings and decisions that shape your community, even when they’re long and detailed.
You’re a fit for this track if you:
- Can identify which agenda items matter before a meeting starts
- Are comfortable speaking with elected officials and public figures
- Can write and file clean copy on deadline, the same day or next morning
- Understand that a zoning decision or budget vote can be the biggest story of the week
- Know the difference between what was officially voted on and what officials said
Bonus experience: familiarity with local government structures, ability to read budget documents, or experience filing public records requests.
Track Two: Arts and Culture
We cover music, theater, visual art, film, food, and nightlife in the local arts scene. We need writers who are already engaged in the community — attending shows, visiting galleries, exploring restaurants — and who can write about these experiences with personality and insight.
You’re a fit for this track if you:
- Have a genuine interest in a specific part of the arts scene: a music genre, an art form, a neighborhood, or a community
- Can write fast when events or tours are announced
- Understand the difference between a genuine profile and a favor piece
Bonus skills: photography, existing relationships with local venues and galleries, or coverage of underreported corners of the arts community.
What You’ll Do (Both Tracks):
- Manage assigned stories and pitch your own story ideas in your areas
- Write and publish digital stories, using text, photos, audio, or video as appropriate
- Accept assignments and follow up on story tips and leads
- Maintain notes and recordings from interviews and research
- Work collaboratively with editors
- Meet deadlines — or tell us early if you won’t. Early notice is always welcome. Silence is not.
- Disclose any conflicts of interest before filing your story (if you’re in the band, on a board, or work at a related organization, we need to know — it usually won’t disqualify you, but hiding it will)
Skills and Background Needed:
- Journalism experience or education as a reporter or writer
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Comfort with multimedia storytelling (text, photos, audio, video editing)
- Ability to work in government, civic, social, and political settings
- Reliable transportation (meetings happen in person, not online)
- No prior experience required — full training and editorial support provided to help you grow as a writer
What We Offer:
- Flexible, work-from-anywhere schedule — set your own hours
- Per-story payment rates, paid bi-weekly for published work
- Full editorial support and guidance from experienced editors
- Your byline and published clips are yours to keep and use
- Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
- Freedom to write for other outlets (we ask only that you don’t share the same story with competing publications)
About This Position:
This is an independent contractor engagement, not employment. You’ll be paid as a freelancer, set your own schedule, and maintain complete flexibility over your time commitment.
On AI: You’re welcome to use AI tools to transcribe interviews, organize notes, and review your own work. However, you cannot use AI to write, report, conduct interviews, or generate quotes, facts, or sources. Everything you submit must be reported by you and be verifiable. Any undisclosed AI-generated copy will end the working relationship immediately.
Our Values: We’re committed to independent, community-focused journalism that is solutions-oriented, inclusive, and transparent. We believe in giving voice to diverse perspectives and all corners of the community. We do not make endorsements or publish our own opinions — our role is to inform and provide a platform for robust community debate.
We are an equal opportunity organization and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Ready to get started? Submit your application below.