Fact Checker, The New Yorker

The New Yorker is a multi-platform media enterprise, spanning print, digital, audio, video, and live events. Founded in 1925, The New Yorker is considered by many to be the most influential magazine in the world, renowned for its in-depth reporting, political and cultural commentary, fiction, poetry, humor, and cartoons. In addition to the weekly print magazine, The New Yorker has become a daily digital destination for news and cultural coverage by its staff writers and other contributors. In print and online, The New Yorker stands apart for its commitment to truth and accuracy, for the quality of its prose, and its insistence on exciting and moving every reader.

Job Description

The fact-checking department is responsible for the accuracy of the editorial content of The New Yorker , a weekly magazine and Web site that covers local, national, and international affairs, culture, literature, and science. New Yorker articles include reported pieces of national significance; profiles of prominent people from around the world; discussions of—and investigations into—important and frequently controversial issues in contemporary society; coverage of significant scientific developments; fiction, humor, and poetry; and criticism and coverage of literature and the arts.

The department is well known for its high standards. While the bulk of the department’s work involves reported pieces, its members also fact check fiction, humor pieces, poetry, cartoons, covers, art spreads, audio segments, videos, games, and letters to the editor.

Checking involves not just verifying the accuracy of each fact, but excellent editorial judgment. Checkers must possess the ability to quickly analyze a writer’s arguments, identify any logical flaws or significant omissions, and draft effective edits. They must be able to look critically at such issues as fairness, balance, and the way the story has been covered elsewhere in the press.

To accomplish this, checkers must have a scholar’s eye for detail as well as a generalist’s eye for news and current events.

The pieces on which the checkers work range from one-line captions to larger fact-heavy pieces of ten-to-fifteen thousand words. The longer pieces often raise significant legal and ethical questions, and may well require bringing together sources from all over the world. For this reason, the department puts a premium on candidates with experience in reporting and research, as well as international experience, and language skills. This is a Guild position.

Responsibilities:

Keep continuously abreast of developments in national and international politics, science, and culture.

Analyze editorial content for accuracy, logical consistency, and editorial integrity. Critically examine and evaluate a writer’s sources, decide whether additional documents and/or sources are necessary, and conduct research to identify such resources. Read through writers’ documents, interview sources, and accurately distill information relevant to the piece.

Review supporting content, such as social copy, illustrations, and photographs. Work effectively with a team of writers, copy editors, and editors across the publication. Additional duties as required, or as assigned by manager.

Skills and Qualifications:

A strong understanding of ethical reporting standards and practices.

A generalist’s interest in world and national affairs and a scholar’s aptitude for precision.

An interest in a broad range of cultural subjects.

Diplomatic skills sufficient to be able to work successfully with a range of people in complex situations.

For this posting, fluency in Mandarin Chinese and/or Spanish is preferred.

Willingness to work some early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

At Condé Nast, we value diversity of background, views, and cultures. We celebrate people for their personal qualities, their skills, and their contributions. And we recognize the power our b rands have to influence and shape culture, catalyze action, and help make our world a better p lace for all. For more information, please visit condenast.com and follow @CondeNast and @CondeNastCareer on Twitter and @condenastcareers on Instagram.

Condé Nast is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics.

What happens next?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile.

Condé Nast is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.