KDNK is hiring a Part-time News Reporter
Organization Description:
KDNK Carbondale Community Access Radio began broadcasting on April 15, 1983. Our mission is to provide public access radio that connects community members to one another and the world. KDNK has grown its reach in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond, with 9 FM signals and an online platform. KDNK has a reputation for funky vitality with over 100 volunteer DJs. KDNK is a trusted source for music discovery, local news coverage, emergency information, weather, road conditions, ski and river reports, lost and found pet reports, and the daily community calendar. KDNK hosts and produces live concerts and special events each year to benefit the community. Plus, we have longtime relationships with partners like the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program and the Carbondale Creative District.
Position Overview:
The News Reporter is a part-time staff reporter who works collaboratively in the News Department. The reporter is responsible for a variety of different beats, creates enterprise stories, and takes assignments from the News Director. This position is 20-25 hours/week and includes hosting two nights of NPR’s All Things Considered weekdays and occasional Morning Editions. Multimedia skills are a plus, including photography, and audio production.The News Reporter tells hyper-local, bigger-picture, and breaking news stories and features that affect people in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys and the West. Reports can be spots (one-source stories, wraps, interviews, voicers), long-form, narrative radio stories,and reporter 2-ways, ranging from 3 - 6 minutes. Work can be shared across the region through collaborations with other stations and NPR. There are opportunities to produce headlines and stories for NPR.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Pitch and report stories for daily newscasts on local/regional news, help produce 2 spots per week
- Produce and report two feature stories (or two-way) per month
- Contact, interview and cultivate relationships with an array of sources
- Stay informed on local, regional, national and international news
- Work in close collaboration with the News Director and RMCR managing editor
- Publish news content on the web
- Cover municipal/county government meetings as assigned and interview town leaders
- Host two nights of NPR’s All Things Considered (5 - 6 PM weeknights) and occasionally NPR’s Morning Edition (6-8 AM weekdays)
- Produce/host monthly public affairs shows on local governments and regional interest
Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism and/or journalism experience at a newspaper, digital outlet, or radio station.
- A commitment to ethical, accurate journalism and a passion for local news
- Excellent writing skills and ability to distill complex information
- Multimedia experience preferred; basic photography skills required
- Strong research skills, familiarity with data and web-based research
- Flexibility to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines
- Ability to take direction from others and be a self-starter
- Ability to communicate questions, comments, concerns effectively
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment
- Pitching news stories, pursuing news tips and leads, writing scripts and producing content for both on-air and online platforms.
- Flexibility to help with station operations when needed or directed.
- Communicative personality through multiple channels (email, call, text, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least two years of journalism experience
- Broadcast radio experience preferred or an ear for what makes a compelling radio story
- Strong on-air presence for recorded narration and live interviews
- Proficiency with Adobe Audition (which KDNK uses), or another similar audio editing software
- Bilingual Spanish and English fluency
- Familiarity with Carbondale, Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley
- Familiarity with Google Suite, particularly using Google Docs and Sheets
- Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
Required Meetings and Time/Travel
- Weekly supervisor check-ins and/or staff meetings.
- Attend the yearly RMCR conference. (Usually in October or November.)
Salary/Benefits
● Pay range is $22-24/hour, depending on experience.
● $150/month health stipend, $250/month housing stipend
Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
As a public radio station funded and supported by the community, KDNK knows that cultivating a diverse team of employees and volunteers is essential to understanding and serving the multifaceted communities of the Roaring Fork Valley.
KDNK is committed to recruiting and retaining talented, dedicated and diverse staff, governing body, Community Advisory Board through our core belief in valuing differences and by promoting an environment of inclusion. We seek diversity in cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds, personal experiences, age, gender and sexuality, ability and skills that reflect the diverse needs and interests of the communities served by KDNK.
How to Apply:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. At least three professional references
4. Links to at least two radio or audio news stories, interviews, or podcasts you’ve worked on, along with descriptions detailing your role in the piece. If you don’t have audio samples, include two web/print news stories (this may be included as a separate document in your application materials.)
Please send all application materials to director@kdnk.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For best consideration, please submit materials by May 18, 2026.
Carbondale Community Access Radio is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits harassment. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, family responsibility, disability status, protected veteran status, or religion.
