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Community Reporter Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Public Media

AM Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... and reporters. * Strong relationship builder and naturally collaborative leader. * Knowledge of the Chicago region's rich diversity of stories, sectors and communities is very helpful. EDUCATION ...

Chicago Public Media

AM Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$90K - $100K/yr

... and reporters. * Strong relationship builder and naturally collaborative leader. * Knowledge of the Chicago region's rich diversity of stories, sectors and communities is very helpful. EDUCATION ...

Arizona State University

Executive Editor

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The Executive Editor will collaborate across teams, coach reporters, guide coverage priorities, edit news copy and serve as a visible ambassador in the communities we cover. The Executive Editor will ...

WOWK-TV

Associate Producer

Chicago, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

... surrounding communities. If you love collaboration, value feedback, and understand that strong ... Collaborate with reporters on scripts, packages, and live shots * Contribute to editorial ...

Asuep

Executive Editor - NEWSWELL Chicago

Oak Park, IL · On-site

The Executive Editor will collaborate across teams, coach reporters, guide coverage priorities, edit news copy and serve as a visible ambassador in the communities we cover. The Executive Editor will ...

Nexstar Media Group

Associate Producer

Bradley, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... surrounding communities. If you love collaboration, value feedback, and understand that strong ... This role works closely with Producers, Directors, Anchors, Reporters, and Digital teams to stack ...

Tribune Media

Associate Producer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... surrounding communities. If you love collaboration, value feedback, and understand that strong ... Collaborate with reporters on scripts, packages, and live shots * Contribute to editorial ...

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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.

AM Editor

Chicago, IL • On-site

Chicago Public Media
See more jobs at Chicago Public Mediaexternal

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

About Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is one of the nation's largest local nonprofit news organizations. Home to WBEZ 91.5FM, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Vocalo. Chicago Public Media reaches more than 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. As a mission-driven organization, we aspire to be the most trusted news source Chicagoans turn to for understanding the people, events, and ideas shaping our community.

Chicago Public Media is a 100% community-funded newsroom powered by nearly 97,000 members whose support makes our journalism possible. This sustained community investment helped drive nationally recognized work in 2025, including 29 awards from esteemed organizations, including the Public Media Journalists Association, the Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the National Association of Black Journalists.

We believe independent journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and that access to objective, fact-based news is a right for every citizen. We serve the public interest by creating diverse content that informs and enriches our community, supported by a dedicated staff of approximately 250 professionals.

For more information, please see the Chicago Public Media Annual Report.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The AM Editor is responsible for leading Chicago Public Media's daily news coverage across a wide array of platforms including broadcast, digital, podcasts and print. The AM Editor will work with anchors, producers, reporters, and other editors to set the tone for the day's coverage, plan assignments, conceptualize stories, structure and help organize reporting efforts. They will partner with their PM counterpart to ensure strong, consistent coverage for our listening audience.

This is a full-time, permanent placement position. This role will be expected to handle Editor duties on the Newscasts and News Magazines Desk, including planning assignments for reporters and producers, writing newscast stories, collaborating with fellow desk Editors, as well as working across teams in the newsroom. Employees in the AM Editor classification may perform work on any or all platforms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborates with the editorial team to guide editorial coverage.
  • Works with the morning anchor and producer to have the most up-to-date news on the air. 
  • Directs the work of reporters and producers, and works with the editorial team, to plan and lead execution of daily stories for web and audio, and initiatives across platforms.
  • Edits audio and occasional text stories, including digital stories for WBEZ and the Sun-Times. 
  • Reports for audio, web and print (when necessary).
  • Reviews feature and project story pitches. 
  • Develops and conducts editorial training.
  • Helps maintain audio and text standards across platforms.
  • Helps manage coverage priorities, including coverage plans for major breaking news events or major events.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 4+ years of experience as an Editor with strong news judgment
  • Outstanding news judgment and experience leading journalists to produce work of tremendous distinction and community impact. 
  • Demonstrated passion for leading creative daily news coverage. 
  • Ability to conceptualize and edit news stories for content, accuracy, pacing, ideas, narrative and voice. 
  • Strong writing skills.
  • Fluency and enthusiasm for multiplatform journalism. 
  • Deep commitment to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and the mission of public media. 
  • Ability to articulate your own ideas precisely and concisely – and to cultivate the strong ideas that come from other producers, editors, and reporters.
  • Strong relationship builder and naturally collaborative leader. 
  • Knowledge of the Chicago region's rich diversity of stories, sectors and communities is very helpful.

EDUCATION

 Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, humanities or related field

COMPENSATION

The expected pay range for this position is $90,168 to $100,000 per ANNUM.

Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position.  The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Working at Chicago Public Media

At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact.  

Our culture is one where collaboration, diversity of ideas, and innovation are encouraged.  We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, divergent experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.

At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for employees at hire and in the years to come.

Our benefits include a competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan.
Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and are not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.