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Documentary Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

Multi Media Journalist

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, create ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

Hearst

Multi Media Journalist

Birmingham, AL

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, create ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

Hearst

Multi Media Journalist

Birmingham, AL

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, create ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

Hearst

Local News Multimedia Journalist

Omaha, NE · On-site

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, pitch ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

Hearst

Local News Multimedia Journalist

Omaha, NE · On-site

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, pitch ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

Hearst

Local News Multimedia Journalist

Omaha, NE · On-site

Collaborate with reporters on packages, special reports and documentaries * Develop sources, pitch ... for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. We are an Equal ...

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Documentary Journalism information

What is the highest paid journalism job?

In journalism, senior roles such as investigative reporters, editors, and media executives tend to have the highest salaries. Documentary journalism professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities can also earn high compensation, especially in large organizations or with successful productions.

Is 30 too late to get into journalism?

Documentary journalism is open to individuals of all ages, and starting at 30 is common. Success depends on developing relevant skills such as storytelling, research, and multimedia production, along with building a portfolio and gaining experience through internships or freelance work.

How much do documentary journalists make?

Documentary journalists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the organization they work for. Freelance documentary journalists may have variable income based on project funding and distribution deals.

Can a documentary be journalism?

Documentary journalism is a form of journalism that uses documentary filmmaking techniques to report on real events and issues. It combines factual reporting with visual storytelling, often requiring research, interviews, and editing skills to present an accurate and compelling narrative. As a job, documentary journalists focus on investigative and factual storytelling through film or video media.

What is a Documentary Journalism job?

A Documentary Journalism job involves researching, filming, and producing fact-based stories that explore real-world issues, events, or people. Journalists in this field use visual storytelling techniques to create compelling documentaries that inform and engage audiences. They often conduct interviews, gather archival footage, and travel to various locations to capture authentic perspectives. This role requires strong investigative skills, ethical reporting, and proficiency in video production and editing.

What are typical challenges faced in documentary journalism and how can they be managed?

Documentary journalists often face challenges such as gaining access to sensitive subjects, working in unpredictable environments, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring factual accuracy while telling a compelling story. Building strong relationships with sources and developing trust is critical for obtaining candid interviews and authentic footage. Flexibility and problem-solving skills help manage logistical hurdles, such as travel issues or changing story directions. Staying organized and maintaining ethical standards throughout the production process are key to overcoming these obstacles and producing impactful documentaries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Documentary Journalism position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Documentary Journalism, you need strong research, storytelling, investigative, and video production skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with camera equipment, audio recording devices, video editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), and sometimes drone operation certification are important technical assets. Excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, and persistence help build trust with sources and navigate changing storylines. These skills enable the creation of compelling, accurate documentaries that resonate with audiences and adhere to ethical standards.

More about Documentary Journalism jobs
What cities are hiring for Documentary Journalism jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Journalism job openings:
What states have the most Documentary Journalism jobs? States with the most job openings for Documentary Journalism jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Documentary Journalism jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Documentary Journalism jobs are:
Documentary Journalism jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Journalism job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 96% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Video Producer

Hearst Journalism Fellowship

Houston, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Houston Chronicle is looking for a Video Producer to help lead the next phase of our video strategy, expanding how we tell stories and how audiences find and engage with our journalism.

This role will be central to building a more consistent, high-impact video operation across platforms, with a growing focus on YouTube as a core audience and storytelling platform. We are investing in repeatable formats, franchise series, and higher-end storytelling that builds habit, trust, and reach over time.

This is a hands-on role for a strong visual storyteller and experienced production leader who can manage projects from concept to final delivery, collaborate across the newsroom, and help shape what video looks like at the Chronicle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end video production, including concepting, scripting, storyboarding, filming and editing

  • Direct shoots in the field, ensuring projects stay on schedule and align with creative vision
  • Oversee videographers and editors on key projects, helping manage workflows, schedules and production priorities
  • Collaborate with reporters, editors and audience teams to identify opportunities for video tied to our journalism
  • Produce a mix of formats including explainers, features, franchise series and larger documentary-style projects
  • Help build and execute a consistent YouTube strategy, including repeatable formats, publishing cadence and audience growth
  • Translate reporting into clear, compelling visual storytelling that serves and engages Houston audiences
  • Ensure all video meets strong editorial, technical and production standards

  • Manage multiple projects at once, balancing speed, quality and newsroom priorities

We're Looking for Someone Who

  • Has at least 5 years of experience leading video production, including filming and editing

  • Has a strong portfolio or reel that demonstrates storytelling ability and production quality
  • Is an excellent communicator who can manage people, talent and stakeholders effectively
  • Has strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling and prioritization
  • Brings a sharp visual eye and a strong sense of narrative structure in video storytelling
  • Has experience writing scripts and developing storyboards to guide production
  • Is highly proficient with video equipment, specifically must be able to efficiently film with Sony cinema line cameras
  • Has strong technical skills in lighting, composition and editing tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects
  • Can both shoot and edit independently when needed
  • Understands how video performs across platforms, including YouTube, and is motivated to grow audience and reach

  • Thrives in a fast-paced newsroom environment and works well across teams

Success is Measured By

  • Consistent production of high-quality video that strengthens our journalism and expands our reach

  • Successful execution of repeatable formats and franchise series that build audience over time
  • Growth in YouTube presence, including views, watch time and subscriber growth

  • Strong collaboration across the newsroom to identify and execute impactful video opportunities

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston's largest websites - HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands.  Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston.  All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we've been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The 

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. 

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories - growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms - to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.  

Be a part of something bigger - your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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