We are seeking a highly motivated and independent freelance news stringer to cover breaking news and emergency events during overnight hours. The ideal candidate thrives in fast‐paced, unpredictable environments and possesses the drive to capture compelling, immediate visual content for major news outlets. This role operates on a strictly freelance, non‐salaried basis, with compensation tied directly to the quality and salability of acquired footage.
Key responsibilities
* Active Monitoring: Continuously monitor police and emergency radio scanners (e.g., Broadcastify) to identify and quickly respond to breaking news events such as fires, car accidents, and crime scenes.
* Rapid Deployment: Arrive on scene quickly, often before official news crews, to capture exclusive, high‐quality video footage and still photography.
* On‐Site Operations: Operate professional‐grade camera, lighting, and audio equipment in potentially chaotic and high‐stress environments.
* Content Acquisition & Editing: Capture raw footage with a focus on compelling visuals and quickly perform basic editing for rapid turnaround.
* Footage Sales & Negotiation: Establish and maintain relationships with news directors and photo agencies to negotiate the sale and licensing of captured material.
* Ethical Operation (Highly Encouraged): Adhere to professional journalistic ethics, respecting crime‐scene boundaries, victims, and law enforcement while maintaining an objective observer role. (Note: Unethical practices, as depicted in fiction, are not condoned in professional journalism).
* Logistics & Maintenance: Manage and transport all personal equipment, ensuring gear is always in working order and ready for immediate use.
Required Skills & Qualifications
* Technical Proficiency: Expertise in operating professional video cameras, audio recording devices, and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro).
* Newsgathering Instinct: A strong, innate sense of what constitutes newsworthy, high‐value visual content.
* Independence & Self‐Motivation: Ability to work autonomously without direct supervision in isolated conditions during unconventional hours.
* Adaptability & Composure: Proven ability to make quick decisions, troubleshoot technical issues, and remain calm under pressure in traumatic or dangerous situations.
* Navigation & Driving: Excellent knowledge of local areas and strong driving skills for fast, safe navigation to various locations.
* Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for dealing with sources, victims, and newsroom personnel, as well as clear and concise reporting skills.
* Equipment: Must possess personal, high‐quality camera and audio equipment, a reliable vehicle, and a police scanner.
This role is ideal for aspiring journalists or videographers looking to build a robust portfolio and gain hands‐on experience in breaking news environments. It can serve as a stepping stone to full‐time newsroom employment or as a flexible, long‐term freelance career.
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