Roles: Freelance writer and contributor for digital publications. Two tracks available: civic and government reporting, or arts and culture coverage.
Rate: Competitive entry-level pay, details shared upon application.
Contract length: Ongoing freelance contract, flexible hours.
Location: Local positions available.
We’re looking for writers and reporters who want a standing relationship with our newsroom on their own schedule. This isn’t about quick one-off pieces—we’re building relationships with contributors who understand that independent journalism strengthens communities.
We’re a small team where everyone matters. We value people who work quickly, stay flexible, accept that we’re learning as we go, and understand that what we’re creating is bigger than any individual.
Track One: Civic and Government Reporting
Someone has to cover city councils, fiscal courts, school boards, planning and zoning commissions, and public meetings. This is essential journalism—unglamorous, but crucial. You’ll sit through meetings, identify what actually matters, approach officials, and file clean copy on deadline.
You’re a fit for this track if you:
Can read an agenda and identify what’s important before the meeting starts
Are comfortable approaching officials to ask follow-up questions
Can file polished copy the same night or next morning
Understand that local government decisions are often the biggest stories
Know the difference between what was voted on and what was actually said
Bonus skills: familiarity with local government structures, ability to read budget documents, or experience filing public records requests.
Track Two: Arts and Culture Coverage
We cover music, theatre, visual art, film, food, and nightlife. We need writers who are already embedded in the scene—at shows, galleries, and restaurants—and who can write about them with genuine perspective and point of view.
You’re a fit for this track if you:
Have a real beat inside the local scene: a music genre, an art discipline, a neighbourhood, or a community
Can turn around previews quickly when tour dates or events are announced
Understand the difference between a profile and a favour
Bonus skills: you shoot your own photos, have relationships with local venues and galleries, or cover a corner of the scene that other media routinely miss.
What We Expect from You (Both Tracks)
Manage assigned stories and pitch your own ideas in your areas of interest
Publish digital and multimedia reports and creative stories
Accept assignments and follow up on news tips
Demonstrate strong journalistic integrity and creativity
Keep notes and recordings from your reporting for verification if needed
Collaborate with our editorial team
Hit your deadline, or tell us early if you won’t
Disclose conflicts of interest before you file: if you’re in the band, on the board, married to the candidate, or work at the institution—tell us upfront. Transparency doesn’t usually disqualify you. Hiding it does.
Understand our editorial standards and apply them consistently.
Skills/background needed:
Experience or education as a news reporter
Strong writing and speaking skills
Basic multimedia knowledge (websites, photography, audio, video editing)
Comfort working in community, government, and social settings
Reliable transportation for in-person reporting
No prior professional experience required—we provide editorial support and guidance to help you grow as a writer.
What You Can Expect from Us
Per-story rates and bi-weekly payment for published work
Editorial support and management to help you develop as a writer
Real flexibility—write for us without full-time hours or commitment
Your byline and clips are yours to keep and use
Opportunities for growth and advancement
A supportive team environment committed to quality journalism
The Contract Details
This is a freelance contractor relationship, not employment. You’ll be paid per story, set your own hours, and are free to write for other outlets. We ask that you don’t pitch the same story to competing outlets.
On AI and Our Standards
You can use AI tools to transcribe interviews, organise your notes, and review your own work. Do not use AI to write, report, generate quotes, or create facts or sources. Every story you file must be reported by you and verifiable by our team. Undisclosed AI-generated content ends our working relationship immediately.
Our Mission and Values
We believe in strengthening our community through independent, sustainable local journalism. We dig deeper than daily headlines, give voice to diverse perspectives, operate responsibly as stewards of our resources, and maintain strict independence in our reporting and editorial decisions.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Ready to get started? Submit your application below.