Community Video Journalist Application

Tell us who you are, what you cover, and how you’ll represent your community’s full spectrum of voices.

This application helps us onboard both new and seasoned community journalists. We’re looking for strong local connection, trust-building ability, digital reporting skills, and the judgment to handle tough topics with fairness and care.

1) Applicant Information

Required fields help us contact you and verify your local coverage area.

Full Name *

Preferred Name (optional)

Email Address *

Phone Number *

City *

State/Region *

Country *

Time Zone

Languages you can report in (optional)

2) Local Connection & Trust-Building

We want journalists who can genuinely represent local voices beyond their own background.

Describe your connection to the community you want to cover * How do you build trust with people who may be skeptical of media? * How will you represent local voices beyond your own lived experience? *

Optional (Voluntary) Context

These are optional. Share only what you’re comfortable with. This helps us ensure broad community coverage.

Anything you’d like to share about your lived experience that shapes your reporting? (optional)

3) Your Coverage: Stories, Beats, and Untold Narratives

What beats or topics do you want to cover? * How do you find untold narratives and overlooked community stories? * Pitch 2–3 story ideas you would pursue in your community right now *

4) Digital Skills & Reporting Workflow

Reporting & Production Skills (check all that apply) What tools do you use? (optional)

Describe your approach to verification and accuracy *

5) Social Media Use & Audience Responsibility

Which platforms do you actively use for reporting and engagement? * Share your public profile links/handles (optional but recommended) How do you engage your audience without inflaming conflict or spreading misinformation? *

6) Handling Tough Topics, Deadlines, and Safety

Tell us about a time you handled a sensitive or polarizing topic * How do you handle deadlines and fast-changing stories? * Do you have a personal safety plan for field reporting? (optional but encouraged)

7) Experience, Samples, and References

Experience Level *

Weekly Availability (hours) *

Portfolio / writing samples / video links * If you don’t have links, paste a short sample or pitch here (optional) References (optional but helpful)

8) Integrity & Fit

Any conflicts of interest we should know about? * What would you bring to DebateTalkLive to reflect your community’s full spectrum of experiences? *

Agreements

I certify the information above is accurate to the best of my knowledge. *

Submitting false information may disqualify this application.

I agree to be contacted by DebateTalkLive regarding this application. *

We may contact you by email or phone.

Privacy note: Your responses are used for recruiting and onboarding purposes only. Please don’t include sensitive personal information you do not want stored in an email. If you need to share sensitive documents, we’ll request them through a secure method later.

DebateTalkLive — The People’s Voice Behind the Headlines.