The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks a talented visual journalist with a history of successful broadcast and online video storytelling and a passion for entertainment news to join a dynamic, round-the-clock operation that covers entertainment globally for AP’s broadcast, digital and mobile customers and platforms. We're looking for a videojournalist in Los Angeles who understands red carpet coverage, including shooting fashion b-roll and interviews in live dynamic event situations and managing publicists, both with a producer and as a one-person-band. This is a staff position covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.

Responsibilities: Reporting to the news editor for west coast entertainment video and based in Los Angeles, you will primarily shoot live events, interviews and feature stories in the field; and you'll edit live video and packages using new and archive video, graphics and editing techniques to deliver visually engaging journalism. Assignments will include Hollywood movie premiere red carpets and award shows, including the Grammys, Oscars and Golden Globes. You also may travel to events in the region. You will often be paired with a producer, but you'll also be expected to handle feature shoots – coordinating with publicists, arranging transportation, shooting, interviewing, editing and scripting – on your own. You’ll be required to shotlist video and write scripts, and you will be encouraged to pitch, develop and research enterprise stories. You may contribute reporting for other teams – for example, covering major breaking news stories like wildfires – and in other formats, including text, photos and audio, to help produce a competitive and comprehensive all-formats news report. The job also entails being responsible for the upkeep of video equipment, including cameras and a LIVE U.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as three years of full-time news experience as a video journalist at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, digital news outlet, or an AP bureau or regional desk.
• All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Competency in at least one other language is a major plus.
• Advanced-level professional competency in video shooting and non-linear editing, preferably with Adobe Premiere.

Preferred Qualifications: You have a demonstrated history of success as a video journalist, with a record of creating compelling visual journalism on deadline, as well as visual enterprise that is illuminating and entertaining. You also have advanced technical skills in the creation of video content and keep up with new technologies and our content management systems. We are looking for someone who is creative, innovative, and agile, to work effectively in deadline-driven, dynamic newsroom and field environments, on breaking news and on short- and long-term projects. As an AP journalist, you must be able and willing to work at night and on weekends as coverage demands.

The successful candidate will have a great news sense and the ability to communicate and drive stories that people will want to share and talk about on social media and other platforms. This includes having a passion for entertainment news and demonstrable knowledge of the key players in the entertainment industry. You should be able to ask the right questions and know where the “money shot” is on every assignment.

You should have the ability to work within an all-formats team, applying strong interpersonal skills, as well as maintaining the AP’s high reputation and ethics when representing the company at live events. You’re eager to pursue innovative and inclusive coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.
 

This position is covered by The Associated Press’ contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary for Class A staff of between $52,046 and $82,934 based on location and years of professional experience. AP may offer additional compensation based on a job candidate’s skills, qualifications and market location.

The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits which include:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Company paid life insurance
• Paid vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave for any new parent
• Mental health resources

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

Application deadline is January 10, 2025 at 11:59am EST.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities, including women and BIPOC, to apply.