Multiplatform Journalist, Mandarin Desk, Taipei

Overview

Job Title: Multiplatform Journalist

Department: Editorial, Mandarin Language Service

Reports To: Senior Editor, News

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Who We Are

Radio Free Asia (RFA) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) media organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with editorial and operational bureaus in Taipei, Bangkok, and Seoul. A congressionally funded grantee of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), RFA operates with full editorial independence.

Our mission is to provide accurate, uncensored news and information to people living in countries where a free press does not exist. We broadcast in nine languages and dialects - Mandarin, Cantonese, Tibetan, Uyghur, Burmese, Vietnamese, Lao, Khmer, and Korean - reaching audiences across China, North Korea, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, Laos and beyond via shortwave, satellite, and the internet. Our journalists work in some of the world’s most difficult media environments, often at considerable personal risk, filling a critical gap in access to truthful, timely news for millions of people who would otherwise have very little of it. That reality shapes everything about how we work and who we hire to lead this organization.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Reporting & Editorial

• Independently manage the full workflow of daily news, breaking news, assigned stories, or features: research, source cultivation, interviewing, writing, recording, and filing.
• Cover a broad range of issues relevant to the language service and assigned coverage area, including political, social, military, technological, and economic developments, as well as their impact on regional and global economies, industries, and geopolitics.
• Conduct independent verification and research using online sources, licensed databases, and primary news references.
• Exercise sound editorial judgment on story angle, source selection, and presentation format within the scope of assigned stories.
• Actively build and expand a network of contacts, sources, and subject experts relevant to coverage assignments.
• Participate in team editorial meetings and contribute story ideas.

Multiplatform Content Production (Core)

• Write accurate, balanced, and well-sourced web news articles in the relevant broadcast language.
• Adapt web news articles into broadcast scripts, video news scripts, and social media copy.
• Record clear and professional audio narration of broadcast scripts; submit clean, edited audio files by editorial deadlines.
• Edit audio files to broadcast-ready standard using designated digital audio tools (e.g., Audacity or equivalent).
• Host audio programs or podcasts as assigned by editors, including scripted delivery, transitions, and basic interview recording.
• Source and select high-quality news images from authorized/licensed platforms (e.g., AP Images, Reuters Connect, Getty Images) to accompany published stories, ensuring full licensing compliance; or obtain legally authorized audiovisual material from interview subjects.

Multiplatform Content Production (Extended, assigned based on operational needs)

• Assist in producing video news content, including filming interview footage or obtaining legally authorized audiovisual material.
• Participate in the video news production workflow, assisting with video editing based on skills and operational needs.

Standards & Collaboration

• Adhere to RFA's editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, and journalistic independence at all times.
• Collaborate closely with editors and producers to ensure timely delivery of content that meets each platform's requirements.
• Escalate promptly and proactively when a story involves significant legal or political sensitivity, or when resources required exceed the routine scope.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Broadcasting, or a related field
• 3 years of professional journalism experience in a newsroom, broadcast, or digital media environment, Portfolio or work samples demonstrating published or broadcast news stories required.
• Broad knowledge and experiences of the news landscape and the ability to identify stories and cultivate source networks in the assigned broadcast language service area.
• Ability to independently manage the full workflow of assigned daily and breaking news stories with minimal step-by-step guidance
• Sound editorial judgment in story angle selection, source verification, and presentation format
• Proven ability to write accurate, balanced, and well-sourced news articles for web publication
• Demonstrated experience producing daily news content across multiple formats (web, radio, and/or social media)
• Experience conducting independent verification using online sources, licensed databases, and primary news references
• Experience adapting written content into broadcast scripts, video news scripts, and social media copy
• Ability to record clear, professional-quality audio narration and submit broadcast-ready audio files on deadline
• Proficiency in audio editing using Audacity or equivalent digital audio tools
• Competence in sourcing and selecting images from licensed news photo platforms.
• Knowledge of online media operations and ability to adapt to evolving digital tools and platforms
• Strong professional proficiency in written and spoken Mandarin, with demonstrated ability to conduct interviews, gather and verify information, write accurate and clear Mandarin-language news stories, and communicate professionally in Mandarin consistent with RFA editorial standards.
• Professional written and spoken fluency in the relevant broadcast language and good command of English
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience covering technology and economic news, with a strong track record of relevant published work.
• Experiences with hosting audio programs or podcasts.
• Familiarity with shortwave or digital radio broadcast standards and workflows.
• Basic video production skills, including filming interview footage and familiarity with video editing workflows
• On-camera reporting experience for video news.
• Familiarity with social media content strategy and platform-specific best practices (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X).
• Familiarity with content management systems and digital publishing workflows.
• Possession of valid work authorization for Taiwan is highly advantageous for this role.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

This position is hybrid, with three days in-office and two days remote weekly. Work is sedentary, performed at a desk using standard office equipment, with occasional lifting up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

To be considered for this position, please include a cover letter with your application.