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Community Reporter Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Nexstar Media Group

Sports Anchor/Reporter

Bradley, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

WGN-TV is seeking an experienced Sports Anchor/Reporter to deliver compelling sports coverage ... Deliver live reports from games, breaking news, and community events. * Collaborate with newsroom ...

Tribune Media

Sports Anchor/Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

WGN-TV is seeking an experienced Sports Anchor/Reporter to deliver compelling sports coverage ... Deliver live reports from games, breaking news, and community events. * Collaborate with newsroom ...

WOWK-TV

Sports Anchor/Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

WGN-TV is seeking an experienced Sports Anchor/Reporter to deliver compelling sports coverage ... Deliver live reports from games, breaking news, and community events. * Collaborate with newsroom ...

Audacy, Inc.

Part-Time News Anchor/Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38.11 - $59.30/hr

WBBM Newsradio Part-Time News Anchor/Reporter Department: News Reporting To: Brand Manager ... community. * This position functions on site at the studios and offices of WBBM Newsradio.

Audacy, Inc.

Part-Time News Anchor/Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38.11 - $59.30/hr

WBBM Newsradio Part-Time News Anchor/Reporter Department: News Reporting To: Brand Manager ... the community. * This position functions on site at the studios and offices of WBBM Newsradio.

NEWSWELL

Staff Reporter - Wednesday Journal

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$51K/yr

Staff Reporter - Wednesday Journal The Reporter is a general assignment role for a journalist who ... You'll spend a significant portion of your time out in the community, on the street and in the ...

Asuep

Staff Reporter - Wednesday Journal

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$51K/yr

Staff Reporter - Wednesday Journal The Reporter is a general assignment role for a journalist who ... You'll spend a significant portion of your time out in the community, on the street and in the ...

Kdfw Fox 4

News Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $72/hr

Conduct thoughtful interviews with newsmakers, community leaders, and everyday people. * Develop ... Collaborate with producers, reporters, meteorologists, and digital teams to develop innovative ...

FOX News Network, LLC

News Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $72/hr

Conduct thoughtful interviews with newsmakers, community leaders, and everyday people. * Develop ... Collaborate with producers, reporters, meteorologists, and digital teams to develop innovative ...

Fox

News Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $72/hr

Conduct thoughtful interviews with newsmakers, community leaders, and everyday people. * Develop ... Collaborate with producers, reporters, meteorologists, and digital teams to develop innovative ...

Paramount

Anchor/Reporter Sports

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Anchor/Reporter (Sports) to help lead and shape our sports coverage across all platforms. Local ... community. We are looking for an engaging, relatable personality and insightful expert who looks ...

Paramount

Anchor/Reporter Sports

Chicago, IL

... Anchor/Reporter (Sports) to help lead and shape our sports coverage across all platforms. Local ... community. We are looking for an engaging, relatable personality and insightful expert who looks ...

UCAN

Safe Passage Community Watcher

Chicago, IL · On-site

Safe Passage Community Watcher Department: Violence Intervention & Prevention Services (VIPS ... Act as Mandated Reporter. Professionalism and Work Conduct * Behaves with integrity, self-control ...

Practical Adult Insights

What is a City Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Plus, he or she is well served by a strong connection to the community, which can come in handy when a reporter is being stonewalled by city officials, for instance. A savvy city editor knows who to ...

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All JobsCommunity Reporter JobsCommunity Reporter Jobs in Chicago, IL

Community Reporter information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$28

$38

How much do community reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for community reporter in Chicago, IL is $28.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a community reporter do?

A Community Reporter is a journalist who focuses on covering news and events within a specific local area or community. Their work involves gathering information, interviewing residents, attending local meetings, and reporting on issues that directly affect the community. They aim to highlight stories that might be overlooked by larger media outlets and provide a voice for local residents. Community Reporters often play a key role in building trust and fostering communication between the media and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Reporter, you need strong writing, research, and interviewing skills, often supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with digital content management systems, social media platforms, and multimedia tools like audio recorders or cameras is typically required. Curiosity, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication help build trust and gather authentic stories within diverse communities. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering accurate, engaging news coverage that resonates with local audiences and upholds journalistic integrity.

How does a community reporter typically build relationships with local sources and community members?

Community Reporters often spend significant time attending local events, engaging with residents, and maintaining an active presence in neighborhoods to build trust and rapport. They develop relationships by listening to community concerns, connecting with local leaders, and being accessible both online and offline. This approach helps them gather authentic stories, understand diverse perspectives, and ensure their reporting is relevant and impactful to the community they serve.

What is the difference between Community Reporter vs Local Journalist?

AspectCommunity ReporterLocal Journalist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; journalism or communications degree preferredOften requires a degree in journalism, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommunity-focused settings, local events, neighborhood storiesNewsrooms, media outlets, covering broader local issues
Employer & IndustryLocal newspapers, community radio, online community platformsLocal newspapers, TV stations, online news outlets
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles focused on community-level reportingPeople seeking information on professional journalism careers

Community Reporters focus on hyper-local stories within communities, often working for smaller outlets or online platforms. Local Journalists may cover broader issues for established media organizations. Both roles require strong reporting skills, but Community Reporters tend to work more directly within neighborhoods, while Local Journalists operate in larger news environments.

Do community reporters make good money?

Community reporters' salaries vary depending on location, experience, and the size of the media organization. Typically, they earn hourly wages or salaries that range from entry-level pay to more experienced roles, with some earning additional income through freelance work or bonuses. Compensation can also be influenced by skills in reporting, writing, and multimedia tools.

What are popular job titles related to Community Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Community Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Reporter jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Community Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Reporter job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,760 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Sports Anchor/Reporter

Bradley, IL • On-site

Nexstar Media Group
Broadcasting • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Nexstar Media Groupexternal

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Nexstar Media Group rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 106 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 78 rated media

Job description

WGN-TV is seeking an experienced Sports Anchor/Reporter to deliver compelling sports coverage across broadcast, streaming, digital, mobile, and social platforms. This role focuses on Chicago's professional sports teams, including the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Sky, and Fire.
We're looking for a strong storyteller and enterprising reporter who can build sources, generate original content, and connect with audiences across platforms. The ideal candidate understands that every story and interaction strengthens both their personal brand and the WGN brand.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Anchor and report sports content across WGN-TV, WGN+, WGNTV.com, mobile, social, and emerging platforms.
  • Cover Chicago's professional sports teams and major sporting events.
  • Develop original stories, exclusives, and enterprise reporting through source building.
  • Write, produce, and present content for broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platforms.
  • Deliver live reports from games, breaking news, and community events.
  • Collaborate with newsroom teams on coverage and content strategy.
  • Maintain an active social media presence and represent WGN at community and station events.

Requirements/Skills
  • Five years plus (5+) years of experience as a Sports Anchor/Reporter with a proven track record of breaking news, enterprise reporting, and multiplatform storytelling.
  • Strong source-building and enterprise reporting skills.
  • Excellent storytelling, writing, and live reporting abilities.
  • Deep knowledge of Chicago sports.
  • Understanding of multiplatform content and audience engagement.
  • Ability to work under deadline in a fast-paced newsroom.
  • Team-oriented with a positive, collaborative attitude.
  • Must join AFTRA.

What Success Looks Like
  • Breaks news and delivers exclusive sports coverage.
  • Builds trusted relationships throughout the sports community.
  • Creates impactful content across all platforms.
  • Serves as a trusted voice for Chicago sports fans.
  • Contributes to newsroom success through collaboration and innovation.

Ideal Candidate
A relentless reporter, compelling storyteller, and collaborative teammate who is passionate about serving Chicago sports fans.
#LI-Onsite
SALARY RANGE: $110K - $150K Annualized - commensurate with applicant's experience and skill level
Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, Paid Parental leave, life insurance and more.
SCAM ALERT:
Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or money. Recruiters with Nexstar Media Group and its local stations will only contact you through official job boards, LinkedIn, or email with Nexstar.tv domain or official station email addresses (example:@wreg.com). Be cautious of any outreach claiming to be from Nexstar or its recruiters via any other messaging platforms or personal email addresses. We will not contact you using a @gmail email address. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a job inquiry or offer, email us at corporaterecruiters@nexstar.tv.

What Nexstar Media Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Nexstar Media Group logo

About Nexstar Media Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is the largest local broadcast television group in the United States and one of the world’s leading diversified media companies. In June 2023, Nexstar marked 27 years of excellence in local programming and service since Perry A. Sook founded the company. Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to 200 broadcast stations (including partner stations) and their related low power and digital multicast signals reaching 116 markets or more than 68% of all U.S. television households. Coupled with a growing portfolio of digital media marketing, advertising and content management platforms, Nexstar delivers powerful and innovative digital solutions and services to local and national media companies, advertisers, agencies and brands.

Industry

Broadcasting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1996

Social media

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