📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Writer Daily Desk, CBC News Digital (English Services)
🔹 Company: CBC/Radio-Canada
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Permanent Part-Time (Weekends)
🔹 Category: Journalism & Writing
🔹 Date Posted: July 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Telework Eligible)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Writing and curating news stories for digital platforms
- Collaborating with regional teams and senior producers
- Working under tight deadlines and making independent editorial decisions
- Contributing to CBC's digital strategy and audience engagement
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong news judgment, writing skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. It's ideal for experienced digital journalists looking to contribute to Canada's leading digital news operation.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ File daily digital stories, including researching, reporting, interviewing, writing, and fact-checking
✅ Identify and prepare key news stories for CBC's homepage
✅ Package digital stories according to mobile-first considerations, with an emphasis on increasing audience engagement
✅ Pitch stories that align with growing new audiences according to CBC's mandate
✅ Jump on breaking news and write and curate live story pages
✅ Curate and program the CBCNews.ca/CBC News app homepage, as required
✅ Edit stories, as required, and work with senior producers to develop story focus and structure
✅ Work collaboratively with editors to sharpen headlines and text, and identify and pursue a diverse range of sources
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: University degree or equivalent
Experience: Minimum five years of recent experience in a digital news environment
Required Skills:
- Excellent news judgment
- Substantial experience writing, researching, fact-checking, and packaging digital news content
- Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to journalism
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Open mindset
- Proven ability to work effectively under 24/7 deadline pressures and file same-day stories
- Stellar communication and interpersonal skills
- Aptitude with text and video content management systems
Preferred Skills:
- Experience filing to and running live pages
- Knowledge of CBCNews.ca style
- Experience in Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Optimization
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English (Reading, Speaking, Writing - C - Advanced) is required for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 CAD per year (Based on industry standards for senior writers in Toronto)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Overtime pay for additional hours worked
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Working Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 5 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for senior writers in Toronto. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1932
Company Description:
- CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions.
- It offers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services in English, French, and eight Aboriginal languages.
- The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivering diverse regional and cultural perspectives.
Company Specialties:
- News
- Sports
- Documentaries
- Radio
- Television
- Online services
Company Website: www.cbc.ca
ASSUMPTION: Working at CBC/Radio-Canada offers the opportunity to contribute to Canada's national public broadcaster and engage with diverse audiences across the country.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Senior Producer, CBC News Digital
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Telework Eligible) - This role requires working on-site during weekends
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a managerial or editorial role within CBC News Digital
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and organizational needs
- Opportunities to work on special projects or assignments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within CBC's digital news operation.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Broadcast Centre
Office Location(s): 250 Front St W, Toronto, Ontario, CA
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant arts and culture scene
- The Broadcast Centre is located in downtown Toronto, close to public transportation and various amenities
- CBC/Radio-Canada offers a diverse and inclusive work environment
Work Schedule: Saturday and Sunday, 5 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. - This role requires early morning shifts and working weekends
ASSUMPTION: Working in Toronto offers access to a wide range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. The Broadcast Centre provides a modern and collaborative work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- News judgment and writing skills
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Collaboration and communication skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Provide examples of your digital news writing and packaging
- Demonstrate your understanding of CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
ATS Keywords: Digital journalism, news judgment, writing, research, fact-checking, story packaging, SEO, social media optimization, editing, collaboration, critical thinking, independent decision-making, diversity awareness
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple stages and assessments to evaluate candidates' skills and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Newsroom software (e.g., iNews, ENPS)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook)
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools (e.g., Google Search Console, SEMrush)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Inclusiveness
- Relevance
- Creativity
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Fast-paced
- Results-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable making independent editorial decisions under tight deadlines?
- Do you have a deep appreciation for different perspectives, opinions, and experiences?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong fit with CBC's values and work style, as well as a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and relevance.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working early morning shifts and weekends
- Meeting tight deadlines and filing same-day stories
- Adapting to a fast-paced, collaborative newsroom environment
- Navigating CBC's organizational structure and culture
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many opportunities, it also presents unique challenges that candidates should be prepared to face.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on digital news writing and packaging for CBC's weekend audience
- Similar roles in other organizations may have different work schedules, team structures, or organizational cultures
- Career progression in this role may differ from that of similar roles in other organizations
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research and compare this role to similar positions in other organizations to ensure a good fit and understanding of the unique aspects of this opportunity.
📝 Sample Projects
- Writing and packaging breaking news stories for CBC's digital platforms
- Curating and programming CBCNews.ca's homepage for a weekend audience
- Editing and collaborating with senior producers to develop story focus and structure
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and skills required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics of the CBC News Digital team?
- How does this role contribute to CBC's overall digital strategy and audience engagement?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and the organization?
- How does CBC support work-life balance for employees working non-traditional hours?
- What is the onboarding process like for new employees in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, including examples of your digital news writing and packaging
- Prepare for your interview by researching CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices and demonstrating your understanding of the role and organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
