Join the WMRA Freelance Corps!
Sustainability Matters
Do you have journalism experience you'd like to put to work researching, reporting, and relaying local news stories with accuracy and context to local NPR listeners?
Apply to join the ranks of our freelance reporters!
Send a brief introduction and a few examples of your published work to Assistant News Editor, Randi B. Hagi (hagirb@jmu.edu) to be considered and learn more about our freelancer program.
We pay per-story for original, local, fact-checked radio pieces that illuminate the region's current events for our listeners.
Recent stories from our freelance reporters
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Local lawmakers and advocates are calling on the Commonwealth Transportation Board to slow down their surprise push to move forward with a nearly $700 million plan for a recreational trail that would also preserve a dilapidated rail line through the Shenandoah Valley for potential future use. WMRA’s Bridget Manley reports. -
The Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro treats hundreds of injured animals every year, from possums, to eagles, to bear cubs. But one fledgling barn owl that fell from its nest in a grain silo in Augusta County has a unique story. WMRA's Meredith McCool reports. -
Friday (Dec. 12) was day two of the trial between the Shenandoah County School Board versus the Virginia Chapter of the NAACP and several Shenandoah County students. It was filled with emotional testimony and more historical context. WMRA’s Bridget Manley reports. -
A court case filed against the Shenandoah County School Board for its decision to revert two schools to their original Confederate names began on Thursday morning. WMRA’s Bridget Manley reports. -
Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority recently announced a new accredited physician training program for providers who want to better advise their patients on the safe use of cannabis related products. But how are those products made? WMRA’s Sara Prince toured a state-regulated dispensary to find out, and filed this report. -
The MaDee Project is a foundation that supports pediatric cancer patients and their families in Augusta County with financial assistance and guidance. They are celebrating their 15th anniversary this year. WMRA’s Zack Furr reports. -
In a much-watched local race, Hilary Irons defeated incumbent Matt Cross for the Rockingham County District Three School Board seat. WMRA’s Bridget Manley reports. -
On Saturday, Indivisible Charlottesville organized a New Orleans-style funeral march on the downtown mall to mourn what they see as a loss of civil liberties in America – and celebrate hope for the future. WMRA’s Meredith McCool followed the procession. -
On November 1st, federal SNAP food benefits for millions of Americans were paused for the first time since the country's largest anti-hunger program began six decades ago. But one local organization continues to share food and build community. WMRA’s Meredith McCool reports. -
Despite the proliferation of music streaming platforms in recent years, local record stores are seeing increased traffic, especially among young people. WMRA's Zack Furr reports.
