Photographer (per diem)

PURPOSE OF POSITION

CBS News Detroit, home of CBS 62 (WWJ-TV) and CW50 (WKBD-TV) is looking for a creative, dependable visual storyteller to provide per diem coverage for our newsroom. The photographer will cover news events and stories for CBS Detroit newscasts, CBS News Streaming, and local programming, and will support our multi-platform and social media efforts. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of NPPA and cinematic style principles, a keen eye and ear for detail, and a demonstrated body of work. Field duties include, but are not limited to, professional operation of broadcast cameras, drones, live bonded cellular transmit units, digital microwave and satellite ENG vehicles, non-linear editing systems, and IP-based broadcast applications.

This is a per diem position used to cover daily assignments, breaking news, and other field needs. Days and hours are scheduled as needed and are not guaranteed.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Shoot and edit news stories for air and digital platforms with strong visual storytelling, working under urgent deadlines while maintaining editorial integrity.

• Demonstrate knowledge and experience with all aspects of ENG news coverage, including Sony HD cameras, Edius non-linear editing, ENG lighting, file-based video transfer, microwave and satellite transmission, live bonded cellular units, drones, and GoPro-style cameras.

• Assist reporters and Multi-Skilled Journalists during live shots and on assignments as needed.

• Safely operate company vehicles, including microwave-equipped vans and trucks, on potentially long drives in all weather conditions.

• Maintain assigned equipment, including vehicles, cameras, lights, laptop editors, and peripheral gear, and report or initiate repairs when necessary.

• Take extreme care to protect news equipment from theft and damage.

• Ensure that all show production deadlines are met.

• Contribute story ideas and production strategy in a team environment, and bring creativity and imagination to broadcast storytelling.

• Incorporate social media and new technology into news coverage.

• Other duties, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• The unpredictable nature of news often requires extending scheduled shifts on short notice.

• Flexibility with the assigned schedule, including shifts that involve weekends, overnights, and mornings.

• Physical ability to carry and operate a broadcast ENG camera and support gear (tripod, lights, microphones), and to carry and manipulate at least 75 lbs. of gear, set up and break down broadcast production equipment, usually alone and on tight deadlines.

• Ability to drive company vehicles safely in all conditions, including potentially hours-long drives to and from assignments. Valid Michigan driver's license and a good driving record required.

• Ability to communicate clearly the editorial details of stories and the logistics tied to production deadlines.

• Ability to gather important information at news locations, with sound judgment about situational safety.

• Must join the IBEW union if not a current member, where applicable to this position.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION

• Five years of experience as a news photographer and editor, preferably in a top 25 market, or at minimum a medium to large television market.

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcast journalism, communications, or a related field preferred, or equivalent related experience.

• Strong non-linear editing background, including Edius, and knowledge of file-based video transfer.

• Experience operating live bonded cellular transmit units.

• Familiarity with the Detroit area.

• Strong news judgment, breaking news skills, and knowledge of current events.

• Strong computer and troubleshooting skills.

• Drone ENG experience with FAA Part 107 certification is a plus.

• Jib and Technical Operations Center experience is a plus. 

CBS News and Stations, brings together the power of CBS News, 28 owned television stations in 17 major U.S. markets, the CBS News Streaming Network, CBS News Streaming local platforms, local websites and cbsnews.com, under one umbrella. CBS News and Stations is home to the nation’s #1 news program 60 MINUTES, the CBS News Streaming Network, the first 24/7 digital streaming news network, the award-winning broadcasts CBS MORNINGS, CBS SATURDAY MORNING, the CBS EVENING NEWS, CBS SUNDAY MORNING, CBS WEEKEND EVENING NEWS, 48 HOURS and FACE THE NATION WITH MARGARET BRENNAN. CBS News and Stations provides news and information for the CBS Television Network,  CBSNews.com, CBS News Radio and podcasts, Paramount +, all digital platforms, and the CBS News Streaming Network, the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service that is available free to everyone with access to the internet. The CBS News Streaming Network is the destination for breaking news, live events, original reporting and storytelling, and programs from CBS News and Stations’ top anchors and correspondents working locally, nationally and around the globe. CBS News’ streaming services, across national and local, amassed more than 1.01 billion streams in 2021. Launched in November 2014 as CBSN, the CBS News Streaming Network is available on 30 digital platforms and apps, as well as CBSNews.com and Paramount+. The service is available live in 91 countries. CBS News and Stations is dedicated to providing the highest quality journalism under standards it pioneered and continues to set in today’s digital age. CBS News earns more prestigious journalism awards than any other broadcast news division.  

Organizations that wish to receive job vacancy notices from this posting’s television station should contact sf_recruitingsupport@paramount.com.

Skydance is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) 

We embrace the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit. In line with the laws of the country or region in which the role is based, this includes consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, religion or belief, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, union status or any other category protected by applicable law. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation during the job application and/or recruitment process. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 212.846.5500 or by sending an email to paramountaccommodations@paramount.com. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.