Freelance Sports Reporter

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

The Weekly is a long-established community newspaper serving the community of Santa Clara in various forms for more than a century. The publication covers local politics, news, business, sports, arts and community events, with a focus on timely, neighborhood-level reporting. As a trusted local news source, The Weekly offers readers in-depth coverage of the issues and stories that shape everyday life in the community. Applicants can learn more about the publication’s work and style by visiting SvVoice.com and following its social media channels.

Role Description: The freelance sports reporter is a part-time role based in Santa Clara, CA, but it does not need to be in the office. This role is responsible for covering one to two local sports events per week, mostly local high school, though there may be some college and youth sports in the summer. The reporter will be responsible for covering all the major sports (football, flag football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, etc.) and Little League.

The ideal reporter will attend games, conduct interviews with coaches and athletes and write clear, engaging game recaps and features on a deadline. The reporter will pitch story ideas, collaborate with editors, meet publication schedules, and adapt coverage to both print and digital platforms. The role also involves maintaining relationships with local sports organizations and staying informed about developments in the Santa Clara sports community.

Qualifications

Strong sports reporting skills with the ability to deliver accurate, timely coverage.
Solid general writing skills, with attention to clarity, structure and audience relevance.
A basic knowledge of the major sports, including rules and strategies to provide insightful analysis.
Ability to work and travel in the Santa Clara, CA area and attend evening and weekend games.
Ability to meet tight deadlines.
Excellent interviewing, research, and fact-checking abilities.
A commitment to ethical journalism standards.
Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with editors, photographers, and community contacts.
Experience in sports or news reporting preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field, or equivalent professional experience preferred.

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