This full-time reporter is well-versed in the intricacies of the American health care system and a broad range of private and public programs that relate to health, including, but not limited to, Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. The reporter often breaks news and sustains follow-up coverage. This great storyteller is able to get close to the ground where people interact with the health care system and then step back to tell the larger story in a way that engages the audience each and every time.
Successful NPR reporters develop leads for enterprise stories and reports and produce special projects for radio and online audiences. They initiate and develop short-term feature stories and in-depth enterprise reports; file brief news spots and digital posts; and help prepare multimedia presentations. The Health Policy reporter ideally has a thorough understanding of -- and deep interest in -- the politics of health care and is familiar with the basics of clinical medicine and the business of medicine.
- Anticipate and respond swiftly to health and health policy news. Develop ideas/proposals for reports and features on health policy, the culture of health, the business of health and healthcare, and related topics.
- Conceive, propose, plan and research ideas for highly original stories and program segments, generating ideas and developing plans for such reporting for audio and online presentation.
- Explore new and creative ways to examine broad and important trends and themes within the beat.
- Prepare stories for broadcast and digital platforms, using recorded audio interviews, visual materials and other tools, often on short news deadlines.
- Use social media, Web-based journalism and a broad range of multimedia to engage the audience and help build a community around NPR’s health coverage.
- Work in partnership with multimedia producers and digital production staff as necessary.
- Prepare and present reports in newsworthy, original, compelling, entertaining and provocative ways.
- Appreciate the difference between writing for the radio/audio and writing for the web.
- Prioritize and manage time well; meet deadlines; remain responsive and flexible in the face of the demands of programming and the news cycle. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
- In pitching, identify essential elements and anticipate issues of balance or fairness. Explain why the story is worthy of attention and why a listener/reader should care.
- Ensure that all content complies with NPR’s editorial standards.
- Represent NPR in public forums and gatherings as needed.
- Assume other duties as assigned by the Senior Supervising Science Editor.
- At least 3 years’ experience covering health and/or health-care policy issues.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a daily or weekly news organization.
- Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with:
- federal and state health policy systems and issues;
- federal and state social support programs and policies and their interaction with the healthcare system;
- medical and scientific journals and institutions.
- Demonstrated track record in:
- Writing for the Web and use of social media
- Producing original and compelling audio and digital features that break and advance coverage;
- Anticipating, recognizing and responding swiftly to news;
- Reporting on issues in health policy.
- Strong sourcing with leading medical and health policy experts.
- Working knowledge of key sectors of the health industry.
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
- Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.
- Ability to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement may apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.
Preferred:
- Demonstrated skill presenting before live audiences, including televised appearances, public events, lectures, seminars and the like.