Class Code 8746
Newspaper Publishing – Reporters/Photographers
Class code 8746 covers reporters and photographers employed by newspaper publishers, including field reporters, beat photographers and photojournalists who produce news copy and images. The California pure premium rate for this classification is $0.337 per $100 of payroll, a base used to calculate workers' comp premium for these occupations.
What Class Code 8746 Covers
This classification applies to employees whose primary work is producing editorial content and news photography for newspaper publishing operations. That includes staff reporters who gather facts, conduct interviews and write copy for print or online editions, and staff photographers who shoot, caption and digitally process images for news use. It covers both newsroom duties — research, interviewing, transcription and editing — and field work such as covering crime scenes, press conferences, sporting events, protests, natural disasters and traffic incidents. Work-related travel, use of employer vehicles, carrying and operating photographic equipment, temporary rooftop or ladder access for shots, and indoor studio work for newspaper assignments are included here when performed by newspaper staff.
Who It Applies To
- Daily and weekly newspaper newsroom reporters and beat reporters
- Staff photojournalists and assignment photographers for newspapers
- Multimedia journalists who both write and shoot images for a newspaper
- City desk and assignment editors who travel for newsgathering
- Newspaper staff who perform on-site digital editing and captioning
Common Job Duties
- Interviewing sources, taking notes and writing news copy for publication
- Traveling to and photographing breaking news, events and features
- Carrying and positioning camera equipment, tripods, lights and cases
- Digitally editing photos and preparing image files and captions
- Transcribing interviews, filing copy and uploading content to newsroom systems
- Setting up temporary lighting, climbing short ladders or accessing rooftops for shots
- Coordinating with editors, public safety officials and venue staff while on assignment
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $0.337 Rate
The pure premium rate of $0.337 per $100 of payroll is the WCIRB-approved base cost for expected claim losses for this classification. Insurers apply that rate to an employer's payroll (e.g., $10,000 payroll generates a $33.70 pure premium) and then adjust the premium using the employer's experience modification, carrier policy charges, state assessments and any class splits or credits. Final cost is affected by claim history, payroll accuracy, safety programs, and whether the employer qualifies for credits or higher deductibles.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
California employers of reporters and photographers must maintain an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) per Cal/OSHA (Title 8 §3203) and comply with Heat Illness Prevention standards for outdoor work (Title 8 §3395). Relevant workplace requirements include ladder and fall protection when accessing rooftops, hazard communication for any chemical use in darkrooms or studio settings, vehicle safety policies for work travel, and prompt recordkeeping and reporting of serious workplace injuries to Cal/OSHA.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8746
A PEO like Key HR can help newspaper employers accurately classify payroll, administer workers' comp coverage, and implement targeted risk control for reporters and photographers — for example, gear-handling protocols, driver and de-escalation training, and return-to-work plans. Key HR's claims management, centralized payroll reporting and loss-control resources help reduce claim duration and smooth premium volatility tied to experience modification.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
If my photographer mainly shoots in a studio for advertising, should they be in class 8746?
Not necessarily. Class 8746 applies to reporters and photographers working for newspaper publishing (news editorial and news photography). Photographers whose primary work is commercial studio or advertising may fall under a different photographic or studio classification. Accurate payroll split and job-duty documentation determine correct classification.
How can my small community newspaper lower workers' comp costs for reporters and photographers?
Focus on reducing claims and payroll misclassification: implement an IIPP, provide training on lifting/gear handling, driver safety, scene assessment and de-escalation, use camera harnesses to reduce strains, and create light-duty return-to-work options. Consistent payroll reporting and quick, proactive claims management also limit experience-mod impacts.
Are freelance stringers or independent contractors covered under class 8746 automatically?
No. Class 8746 applies to employees of newspaper publishers. Freelancers or independent contractors are not automatically covered — their status must be evaluated under California labor law. Misclassification can create liability, so employers should document contracts, control over work, and consider covering regular contributors under payroll if they meet employee criteria.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8746
- Classification
- Newspaper Publishing – Reporters/Photographers
- Pure Premium Rate
- $0.337 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
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Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 8746?
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