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Government Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Griffin Media

KWTV State Government Reporter

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

A State Government Reporter at Griffin Media helps drive the Ideal Team Player culture. We are looking for a journalist who goes beyond the Capitol to explain how government decisions affect everyday ...

Pinellas County Government

Board Reporter

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$22 - $32.23/hr

Would you like to learn more about the internal operations of county government? Become a Board Reporter for the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller! Ideal candidates will have ...

Advance Local Media

Reporter - Huntsville

Birmingham, AL

$46K - $57K/yr

News Reporter covering Huntsville, Ala., and the surrounding metro. If you're driven to uncover ... Covering the issues that matter most to residents, including government accountability, growth and ...

Da Francesco's

Reporter - Huntsville

Birmingham, AL

$46K - $57K/yr

News Reporter covering Huntsville, Ala., and the surrounding metro. If you're driven to uncover ... Covering the issues that matter most to residents, including government accountability, growth and ...

Adams Communications Inc

Reporter - Waseca

Waseca, MN · On-site

The reporter should be comfortable covering all types of news, including local government, events, features, hard news, breaking news and more. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and a strong ...

Capital City Press

Reporter

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Education Reporter Lafayette, LA The Acadiana Advocate is seeking an education reporter to cover K ... Create relationships with people in the community and government agencies to develop access to ...

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All JobsGovernment Reporter Jobs

Government Reporter information

See salary details

$15K

$42.4K

$77.5K

How much do government reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for government reporter in the United States is $42,378.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $49,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Government Reporter vs Court Reporter?

AspectGovernment ReporterCourt Reporter
CredentialsTypically requires a stenography or court reporting certification, sometimes a degree in journalism or communicationsRequires a court reporting certification or stenography license, often a degree or diploma in court reporting
Work EnvironmentWorks in government agencies, legislative bodies, or public hearingsWorks in courtrooms, legal proceedings, or depositions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, legislative offices, public institutionsCourts, law firms, legal institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar certification and stenography skills, but different work settings

Both Government Reporters and Court Reporters require stenography or court reporting certifications and share skills in transcription. However, Government Reporters typically work in legislative or government settings, while Court Reporters focus on legal proceedings in courtrooms. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on work environment and industry focus.

What are some typical challenges a government reporter faces when covering local or state politics?

Government Reporters often encounter challenges such as navigating complex bureaucratic procedures, gaining access to public records, and building trust with sources who may be cautious about sharing information. Another common hurdle is translating dense policy language into clear, engaging stories for the public. Additionally, tight deadlines and the need to quickly verify facts can make the role fast-paced and demanding. However, these challenges are also opportunities to develop investigative skills and foster valuable connections within the government and media landscape.

What does a government reporter do?

A Government Reporter is a journalist who specializes in covering news related to local, state, or federal government activities, policies, and decisions. They attend public meetings, interview officials, analyze documents, and report on legislation, elections, and public affairs. Their work aims to inform the public about government actions and hold officials accountable by providing accurate, unbiased information. Government Reporters often write articles, produce multimedia content, and sometimes appear on radio or television to discuss their findings.

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

To thrive as a Government Reporter, you need strong investigative and writing skills, a solid understanding of governmental processes, and typically a degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, content management systems, and media law is often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, persistence, and ethical judgment help in building sources and reporting accurately under deadline pressure. These abilities ensure reliable, timely, and insightful coverage of government affairs that informs the public and holds officials accountable.
More about Government Reporter jobs
What states have the most Government Reporter jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Reporter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Reporter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Reporter jobs are:
Government Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Reporter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,378 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

KWTV State Government Reporter

Griffin Media

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

A State Government Reporter at Griffin Media helps drive the Ideal Team Player culture.

We are looking for a journalist who goes beyond the Capitol to explain how government decisions affect everyday Oklahomans. During the legislative session, you'll lead coverage of the Legislature, state government and public policy. Throughout the year, you'll produce enterprise and investigative reporting on issues of statewide importance, including elections, accountability and the people impacted by decisions made at the Capitol.

Job Summary: As Griffin Media's State Government Reporter, your beat is Oklahoma state government, but your focus is Oklahomans. You'll shoot, write, and edit your own stories, covering the legislature and statewide policy with an emphasis on the people, communities, and businesses affected by it, going beyond the Capitol building to show why these stories matter. Whether during session or year-round, you'll pursue original enterprise and accountability journalism on public policy, elections, and issues of statewide significance. You'll collaborate closely with News 9, News On 6, and the statewide digital team to deliver this coverage across television, streaming, digital, and social platforms, and pitch in on general assignment and anchor duties as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

  • During the Legislative Session
    • Report daily on legislative and state government stories that have a meaningful impact on Oklahomans, shooting, writing, and editing your own stories on tight deadlines. A photographer will be provided when necessary, at news management discretion. 
    • Place a strong emphasis on getting beyond the Capitol by telling the stories of the people, communities, and businesses affected by legislation, not just reporting what happened inside the building.
    • Develop enterprise stories that provide context, accountability, and explain how state policy affects everyday life.
  • Outside the Legislative Session
    • Report daily on stories of statewide significance, including state government, public policy, elections, accountability journalism, and investigative projects, shooting, writing, and editing your own content.
    • Pursue original enterprise stories that matter to audiences across Oklahoma, regardless of geography.
  • Live Coverage & Collaboration
    • Provide live coverage of significant state government developments, elections, and major announcements, operating live broadcasting equipment and setting up live shots independently as needed.
    • Collaborate with News 9, News On 6, and the statewide digital team to create content across television, streaming, digital, and social platforms.
    • Contribute to statewide political debates, election coverage, and special programming.
  • General Assignment & Anchor Support
    • Assist with local general assignment reporting in Oklahoma City when needed, including breaking news and major news events.
    • Serve as a fill-in anchor as needed.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including driving an automobile for company business.

Job Schedule: This is a full-time position primarily working 40 hours per week. You may also be called upon at times to fill in other hours and days of the week to help cover vacations, illnesses, breaking news, severe weather, or special projects/events. This position is not eligible to work remotely.

Essential Qualities:

  • Humble: A habit of sharing successes, putting the team first, and working for the good of the team. A "we" not "me" attitude. The ability to give and receive constructive criticism. Observe and employ the Golden Rule.
  • Hungry: Exhibit a strong work ethic, drive, and willingness to take initiative.
  • Smart (People Smart): The virtue of being interpersonally smart about the interactions and relationships of those you encounter.
  • Positive Attitude: Exhibited by focusing on opportunities not problems, see the glass as half-full not half-empty.
  • Sense of Urgency: How we react and respond.

Skills and Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or related field preferred. Related experience will be evaluated and may be substituted as years of education.
  • Two to four years of experience in television news, enterprise or investigative reporting, or a similar multimedia journalism role preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge of Oklahoma state government, the legislative process, and the statewide political landscape, with demonstrated ability to develop original enterprise and accountability stories that show why these issues matter to everyday Oklahomans.
  • Proficiency shooting, writing, and editing your own multimedia stories on tight deadlines.
  • Ability to build and maintain source relationships across party lines while upholding journalistic integrity.
  • Excellent on-camera presence and strong written and verbal communication skills; anchoring experience a plus. Link of work sample required.
  • Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid Oklahoma driver's license and have a driving record acceptable to the company.
  • Ability to perform other job-related duties as assigned.
  • Capable of handling the physical and mental requirements including:
    • Ability to verbally communicate in English.
    • Ability to read computer monitor information (words and data).
    • Ability to hear detailed spoken word.
    • Ability to remain sedentary and to travel to work location.
    • Ability to perform manual dexterity tasks with hands, fingers.
    • Ability to analyze data, concentrate, reason, and write.
    • Ability to perform under emotional stress.
    • Ability to lift 10 pounds unaided.
    • Ability to work rotating shifts and be on 24-hour call.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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