This is a collection of questions we receive regularly from people interested in joining our journalist cadre. If you have additional or specific questions, or would like to obtain more information, please feel free to reach out to us at any time: people@signalhigh.news.
What kind of a commitment do you require?
None, really. There is no minimum or quota. We ask that if you choose to go through the process and join us as a journalist, that you make a reasonable effort to submit news articles. Maybe this is once a year, maybe once a week. It’s really up to you. Those who do not submit, are not involved, do not communicate, etc. for lengthy periods of time may be de-registered.
Is training provided?
We provide training in the following ways:
- through online documents (like this) that you are expected to have read;
- through e-mail updates, story de-briefs, best practices, etc;
- through support from newsroom operators, editors and other journalists;
- mostly, through your own research into the law, our profession and best practices.
Is everybody accepted?
No.
How do I get paid?
When your work is published, we sell advertising that corresponds to it. When this happens, you get a percentage of that sale. Whenever your work is licensed to others, you get a cut of that too. When there is revenue from third-party incorporates and other advertising, you get a cut of that as well. Basically, any time your work is attached to sales, you earn money. Refer to the agency contract for details.
How is my work valued?
Your work has an intrinsic value because it is made by you. Your work has a journalistic value because it is published by us. Your work may also have an inspirational value because it brings positive change to your community. All of this being said, the commercial value of your work is determined by how much revenue we can attach to it through advertising, licensing, third-party incorporates, etc.
Is there a cost to this?
There are no fees to register as a journalist at this time; however, we reserve the right to change this policy in future. If you order gear, charges apply. You are responsible for your own expenses.
Am I allowed to carry my gun?
You are responsible to obey the laws of your jurisdiction. You are responsible to portray us and our relationship with you in a favorable light. We trust you will do this.
Can I use a fake name?
You are welcome to use a ‘nom-de-plume’ or ‘nom-de guerre’ (pen or war name); however, a few additional steps may be necessary at time of registration.
Can I use a business name?
Yes.
Can I team up with others?
Absolutely. We strongly encourage journalists to unite under the Signal High News Corporation banner, provided they are all our journalists. Forming a team containing a reporter, cameraperson, audio person and a producer will often net better results faster than going it alone. The split of revenue is left to the team to calculate but must be coordinated unless using a business name. Please note that special projects involving outside news agencies must be approved at the executive level.
Can I use your logos?
Journalists are able to make tasteful and conservative use of our logos, emblems, etc; however, we reserve the right to restrict or deny this at our sole option.
Is there a kit I am issued for this?
Journalists are provided with a basic kit on registration, including copies of documentation and press credentials. If you would like to purchase additional gear or kit, visit: shop.signalhigh.news.
Do you have a shop where I can buy more gear?
Yes. Ping! Surf to: shop.signalhigh.news.
What happens if I get arrested?
Being arrested, detained, investigated for a crime or charged with a crime is something we suggest you avoid; however, it does happen. Should this happen, alert the newsroom immediately and we will initiate an emergency procedure. This underscores the importance of you having a lawyer on retainer. More on this is covered in our onboarding.
What happens if I get hurt?
Our newsroom has an emergency protocol that will be followed any time we receive a report of journalists being injured in the line of duty. We do not normally provide health insurance for our journalists; however, we will notify family and take other actions. This underscores the importance of you having medical insurance.
Can I bring family/friends with me?
We advise against this; however, how you engage in your duties is up to you. If you intend to do this on a regular basis, we suggest you have them register as journalists as well.
Can I report on something from far away?
Yes.
Do I get credentials?
Yes.
What if I damage lose my credentials?
We will replace them; however, you may have to make a report to corporate security.
What do the editors do for me?
The editors have a fairly good idea of what articles are ‘in the pipe’ and where they may fit into any given publication. They help to ensure quality standards and make sure that your article is complete in all respects. Editors will help to identify legal issues, and the potential for follow-ups. Most of all, editors are there to give you advice and help you when and where you need it. Articles generally require editor approval before they enter into production.
How do I get assignments?
The newsroom has an assignment desk that tracks this kind of thing; however, reports can be paired with journalists in a number of different ways. More on this during onboarding.
Can I come up with my own assignments?
Absolutely. More on this during onboarding.
Do I need special insurance?
We recommend that you carry sufficient liability and medical insurance to cover the risks associated with your particular brand of journalism. This may necessitate a full risk assessment and in-depth research on your part. Other journalists may be able to assist.
Who pays legal costs?
Except in the most unusual and rare of circumstances, you are responsible for your own legal costs.
Is there a guarantee my work will be published?
No.
Is there any guarantee my work will be monetized/paid for?
No.
What kind of censorship can you take?
We do not engage in censorship. We suggest and, at times, demand changes to be made to articles before we will publish them. We are not out to change your message, but to produce good news.
What law applies to this?
Depending on where you are, what topics you report on, what media you use, etc. there may be hundreds of local, state and federal laws that must be complied with. It is up to you to ensure that you (a) know the law, and (b) work within it. It is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer long before you set out on your path. This being said, we are all in favor of pushing boundaries.
Is my work mine? Do we share rights?
Whatever flows from your work with us is jointly owned. We all have specific rights. This is necessary for the editing, production and publishing phases; however, you retain rights to the work as well and can publish it wherever you wish. More on this is covered during onboarding.
Can I reproduce my own work without permission?
Absolutely.
How do I protect my sources?
There are several requirements to this, but it is covered in onboarding.
Am I free to work from other countries?
You are free to work from wherever you wish. You do not have to be present or at a particular place for you to adequately research, investigate or report on a matter. The use of technology really helps with this and we are entirely willing to assign stories to ‘nomad’ journalists.
Am I free to work with others?
Yes. Approval is required if you intend to work with people who are not registered journalists. It is entirely possible that you will be directed to work with other journalists as well, coordinated by the newsroom. In larger cases, it is often beneficial to form a team and approach from a joint perspective.
Can I use this on my resume or for school experience?
Yes. We will provide a written acknowledgement or letter of reference for you as well.
Can I get into producing documentaries, etc?
Absolutely. If you have an idea, you should discuss it with an editor, producer, etc. You may also be approached by executive producers (the editors-in-chief of the radio and studio world) to contribute to a documentary, docs-series, special production, etc.
Who can take away my credentials?
We can.
I don’t want my face on the internet, so?
Stick to written work or radio.
How will I get credit for my work?
Absolutely. This is covered in greater detail during onboarding.
Are there restrictions to what we report?
No. As long as your work falls within our code of conduct, and applies to our channel lineup, there are no restrictions. If you are concerned that your proposed work will not conform to this, consult an editor. In fact, it is a good idea to consult your editor before taking on any self-initiated work, just to keep them in the loop.
How do I protect my sources?
This topic is covered in great deal during onboarding.
Are there timelines? A lot of pressure?
This depends on your assignment. Generally speaking, we ask that you strike while the iron is hot. This is to say that when you take an assignment, you push at it; however, some assignments are longer in view and do not require immediate action. It all depends. The newsroom will assist you.
Can I be taken off a case? Who gets credit/paid?
Yes. Senior managers (news director, news executive, etc) have the authority to remove you from a case for a variety of reasons. In all cases, the journalist who submits the final copy gets the pay. So if you intend to “contribute” to a story, be sure to communicate with the editors.
How are disputes resolved?
Disputes are very rare, but they do happen on occasion. When they do, the parties are encouraged to resolve them between themselves. If they can’t, the manager responsible for the line of business where the dispute has arisen gets involved and recommends a resolution. At any time an executive officer can impose a resolution; however, it has never gone that far in the past. In almost all cases, disputes are handled at the lowest possible level.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|