📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: PT Local Freelance Writer
🔹 Company: Townsquare Media
🔹 Location: Buffalo, NY
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time, Freelance
🔹 Category: Journalism & Writing
🔹 Date Posted: April 21, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Enhancing hyperlocal news coverage in Buffalo, NY
- Cultivating strong news leads and engaging the community
- Breaking news stories and maintaining journalistic integrity
- Potential for the position to become more permanent
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong local connection and understanding of the Buffalo community to effectively cover news stories.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Create meaningful contacts with local officials
✅ Produce 8-10 news stories per week on average
✅ Work with the Digital Managing Editor to create news reports via audio and/or video
✅ Be flexible, efficient, and able to multitask multiple leads
✅ Dig deep into various topics for compelling news reports
ASSUMPTION: The role may require working irregular hours to cover breaking news stories.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 0-2 years of experience in Journalism or a related field
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and multitask
- Proficiency with social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Passion for local media
- Strong storytelling skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with audio and video recording equipment
- Fluency in a second language (Spanish)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle may be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $15,000 - $25,000 per year (based on part-time, freelance work)
Benefits:
- Opportunity for growth within the company
- Access to Townsquare Media's digital marketing services and tools
Working Hours: Flexible, with a focus on covering breaking news stories as they occur
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for part-time, freelance journalism roles. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 2010
Company Description:
- Townsquare Media is a community-focused digital media, digital marketing solutions, and radio company
- They focus on markets outside the Top 50 in the U.S.
- Their assets include Townsquare Interactive, Townsquare IGNITE, and a portfolio of local terrestrial radio stations
Company Specialties:
- Radio
- Online advertising
- Live events
- National and local advertising
- Programmatic advertising
- Digital marketing
Company Website: http://www.townsquaremedia.com
ASSUMPTION: Townsquare Media's focus on local markets and community engagement may influence the company culture and work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry Level
Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Digital Managing Editor
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility to work remotely for certain tasks
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for the freelance position to become more permanent
- Opportunities to grow within the company's digital marketing services and radio stations
ASSUMPTION: The freelance nature of this role may offer less job security and benefits compared to full-time positions.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Newsroom and remote work
Office Location(s): Buffalo, NY
Geographic Context:
- Buffalo, NY is located in Western New York, near the Canadian border
- The city has a population of approximately 278,000 people
- Buffalo is known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural attractions
Work Schedule: Flexible, with a focus on covering breaking news stories as they occur
ASSUMPTION: The work environment may be fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on breaking news and maintaining journalistic integrity.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the Digital Managing Editor
- Background check and reference verification
Key Assessment Areas:
- Journalistic skills and experience
- Communication and storytelling abilities
- Local knowledge and connections
- Adaptability and multitasking skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your local connections and journalism experience
- Provide examples of your news stories and multimedia content
- Demonstrate your passion for local media and breaking news
ATS Keywords: Journalism, News Writing, Local News, Buffalo, NY, Communication, Storytelling, Multitasking, Deadline Management, Social Media
ASSUMPTION: The application process may be competitive, given the high number of job seekers in the journalism field.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Audio and video recording equipment
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Journalism software and tools (e.g., AP Stylebook, Cision, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the company's digital marketing services and radio stations.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Community-focused
- Engaging and informative
- Innovative and adaptable
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong connection to the Buffalo community?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic news environment?
- Can you effectively multitask and manage multiple leads?
ASSUMPTION: Townsquare Media's focus on local markets and community engagement may influence the company culture and work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining journalistic integrity
- Competing with other local news outlets for stories and sources
- Adapting to the freelance nature of the role and potential fluctuations in workload
- Navigating the competitive job market for journalism positions
ASSUMPTION: The role may require working irregular hours and being on-call for breaking news stories.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from full-time journalism positions in that it is part-time and freelance
- It is similar to other local news writing positions in its focus on breaking news and maintaining journalistic integrity
- Career paths may vary depending on the company's digital marketing services and radio stations
ASSUMPTION: The specific career path and growth opportunities may vary depending on the company's digital marketing services and radio stations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Covering a breaking news story and creating a multimedia news report
- Building and maintaining relationships with local officials and sources
- Creating engaging and informative news content for multiple platforms
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and tasks may vary depending on the company's digital marketing services and radio stations.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this freelance position fit into the company's long-term plans?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company?
- How does the company support its journalists in maintaining journalistic integrity?
- What is the typical workload and schedule for this role?
- How does the company engage with the local community and support its journalists in doing so?
ASSUMPTION: The interview process may provide valuable insights into the company culture and work environment.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your local connections and journalism experience
- Provide examples of your news stories and multimedia content
- Demonstrate your passion for local media and breaking news
- Follow up with the hiring manager after one week if you have not received a response
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
