LebTown is now hiring freelance local government reporters for 2026 coverage

LebTown reporters cover dozens of local government meetings each month, and we want to continue expanding this vital public service as we enter 2026.

We have a few more municipalities to add to our Civic Impact Reporting Project, and we hope to expand next to school board coverage.

To accomplish these goals, we need more reporters – because unlike many news outlets, LebTown strives to have our reporters at every meeting of the organizations we cover, not just the meetings where we think there will be a controversy. As with everything we do at LebTown, optimizing for trust is the bedrock of our decisions.

We are looking for journalists with previous local government reporting experience. Familiarity with AP style is preferred. This freelance position requires on-location attendance at meetings across Lebanon County, with meetings typically held in evening hours.

Stories should be submitted the day following the meeting. We don’t have a minimum or maximum word count; we expect reporters to cover the meeting appropriately and comprehensively and see the length as secondary to that primary goal.

We pay freelancers competitively for meeting coverage, with a standard rate of $150 for meeting attendance and submitted article. We prefer reporters who can regularly cover the same meetings each month on a long-term basis. Recording devices can be provided upon request. Local government reporters are prioritized for other freelance opportunities.

Meeting duration varies. We address compensation for extraordinary circumstances (such as four-hour zoning hearings) on a case-by-case basis to ensure fair pay.

To apply, send clips and resume to hiring@lebtown.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.