Journalist wanted for progressive independent media startup (Midwest) | up to $2,000 per story

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: STATUS COUP (MIDWEST)

Three years in, independent progressive news outlet Status Coup is growing, recently passing 100,000 YouTube subscribers and breaking multiple major investigative stories on topics like the Flint water crisis. Now, we’re seeking to double down on our core DNA—in-the-field reporting on the stories corporate media isn’t covering—with a freelance reporter who will:

• Identify compelling and uncovered stories to travel to and cover
  Interview community members, residents, activists, and local politicians both live and recorded
  
• Build sources in communities you cover and continually follow-up with them as part of investigative reporting that seeks to break stories
• When not on the road, host livestreams (news of the day mixed with other uncovered stories) and book and conduct interviews
• Publish and post/push your content on YouTube and our social media channels
• Write investigative stories for Status Coup’s website

REQUIREMENTS:

• Has 1-2 years of journalism experience and preferably on-camera experience
• Lives in the Midwest
• Has a car (some stories you would fly for)
• Flexible schedule and able to travel as breaking news develops– this isn't a normal 9-5 business and things are often unplanned as news breaks and events happen, so flexibility is a must
• Does not believe in “neutral” robot journalism where a journalist’s job is to stand like a mannequin and serve as a stenographer for Side A vs Side B.
• Has a healthy skepticism for the corporate mainstream media and the stories they choose to cover (and choose not to)
• Cares deeply not just on getting the facts right and scrupulous vetting of sources and stories—but also cares deeply about injustice, governmental and corporate corruption, and progressive causes and movements.

We’re not interested in a cub scout reporter looking to climb the corporate media ladder and grow their Twitter following, get invited to the DNC/RNC Christmas Party, land book deals and speaking engagements. This role will be HARD and require roll-up-your sleeves reporting in-the-trenches (most of the time in places no other media is currently talking about or barely covering).

PAY:

• Negotiable based on length of reporting trips (fluctuates between 3-5 days; sometimes longer–in-field trips often evolve on the fly). For example, pay could be anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000 depending on length of trip and/or what the story is. Pay will be discussed per trip/story.
• This role would begin on a temporary/story-by-story trial basis and, based on mutual interest, could soon evolve into more freelance assignments

Interested candidates should send resume, samples/portfolio, and 2-3 paragraphs of why they are particularly interested in freelance reporting for Status Coup and what type of stories and communities they are passionate about covering that are currently not getting major attention. Email: info@statuscoup.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Questions / applications: info@statuscoup.com

Website: http://statuscoup.com/