Position overview
Sightline Media Group is seeking freelance multimedia journalists who can help Military Times and Defense News deliver the latest military, defense and national security news through timely, engaging video.
We are looking for journalists who are comfortable picking up their phone, stepping in front of the camera and clearly explaining what is happening, why it matters and what audiences need to know. Assignments may involve reporting from an event or news location, interviewing a source, or simply turning one of our recently published stories into a concise, compelling on-camera video summary for social media.
This role is ideal for a journalist who understands that effective video reporting does not always require a large production crew. Sometimes the most valuable coverage is a clear, accurate and engaging explanation of an important story, recorded on a phone and delivered directly to our audience.
This is primarily a reporting, presentation and video-capture role. Footage will be submitted to Sightline Media Group’s video team for editing, review and publishing across platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
What you will do
- Create short, on-camera video summaries of recently published Military Times, Defense News and other Sightline Media Group stories.
- Review assigned articles, identify the most important takeaways and translate them into clear, conversational video scripts or talking points.
- Report and capture quick-turn video coverage of military, defense and national security news.
- Record concise on-camera updates using a smartphone or other mobile video equipment.
- Clearly explain complex developments in an accessible, accurate and authoritative manner.
- Occasionally conduct brief on-camera interviews with military leaders, government officials, defense industry executives, subject-matter experts and other relevant sources.
- Possibly capture supporting footage, including event activity, equipment demonstrations, military operations and establishing shots.
- Submit raw footage to Sightline’s video editing team for editing and publication.
- Coordinate with editors on the focus, framing and key takeaways of each assignment.
- Follow Sightline Media Group’s reporting standards, as well as applicable event restrictions, operational security requirements and military public affairs ground rules.
- Represent Military Times, Defense News and Sightline Media Group professionally while working in the field or presenting our reporting on camera.
What we are looking for
- A modern, social-first mindset and understanding of how journalists and influencers are using social media currently for sharing news stories.
- Experience in journalism, reporting, video production or multimedia storytelling.
- Strong on-camera communication skills and the ability to speak naturally without relying heavily on a script.
- Comfort filming yourself and others using a smartphone.
- Sound news judgment and the ability to identify the most important element of a developing story.
- Ability to turn complicated information into a clear, brief video explanation.
- Strong interviewing, reporting and fact-checking skills.
- Ability to work independently and meet fast deadlines.
- Familiarity with social-first video and the pacing, framing and presentation styles used on platforms such as Reels, TikTok, Shorts and X.
- Reliable access to a modern smartphone capable of recording high-quality video.
- Ability to securely and promptly transfer large video files.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience covering the U.S. military, defense industry, Congress, national security, veterans or federal government.
- Familiarity with military terminology, installations, commands and public affairs procedures.
- Experience reporting from trade shows, conferences, military bases or live events.
- Existing relationships with military public affairs offices, defense organizations or industry sources.
- Understanding of operational security, embargoes, background rules and sensitive or classified information.
- Experience using mobile microphones, tripods, gimbals, portable lighting or other smartphone video accessories.
