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Investigative Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Investigative Reporter - KXAN Investigates (Austin, TX) Want to produce journalism that makes a ... Our award-winning journalists have changed laws, exposed corruption, uncovered life-threatening ...

Investigative Reporter - KXAN Investigates (Austin, TX) Want to produce journalism that makes a ... Our award-winning journalists have changed laws, exposed corruption, uncovered life-threatening ...

Investigative Reporter / Producer WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, is looking for an ... We are looking for a journalist who thrives on digging deeper, asking tough questions, and creating ...

Investigative Reporter / Producer WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, is looking for an ... We are looking for a journalist who thrives on digging deeper, asking tough questions, and creating ...

Investigative Reporter / Producer WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, is looking for an ... We are looking for a journalist who thrives on digging deeper, asking tough questions, and creating ...

Investigative Reporter - KXAN Investigates (Austin, TX) Want to produce journalism that makes a ... Our award-winning journalists have changed laws, exposed corruption, uncovered life-threatening ...

Investigative Reporter

Syracuse, NY ยท On-site

$21.65 - $26.45/hr

This is the only Investigative News Team in Central NY (Syracuse DMA) and our "Point of Difference" coverage is aimed at Enriching Local Lives through the power of journalism. We're looking for ...

History of award-winning investigative journalism preferred While applying please provide an online portfolio / reel link for review. EEO AND INCLUSIVITY: Sinclair is proud to be an equal opportunity ...

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree or equivalent, or 2+ years of military experience - 4+ years of demonstrated experience as an analyst/investigator/journalist supporting open-source research ...

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Investigative Journalism information

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How much do investigative journalism jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative journalism in the United States is $23.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Investigative Journalism vs News Reporting?

AspectInvestigative JournalismNews Reporting
CredentialsJournalism degree, investigative reporting experienceJournalism degree, reporting experience
Work EnvironmentResearch-heavy, in-depth investigationsFast-paced, on-the-spot reporting
Employer & IndustryMedia outlets, newspapers, magazinesNews agencies, TV stations, online media
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding investigative vs general reportingClarifying roles in journalism

Investigative journalism focuses on in-depth research and uncovering hidden truths, often requiring extensive investigation. News reporting involves delivering timely news updates and covering current events quickly. While both roles require journalism skills, investigative journalism demands more research and analytical skills, whereas news reporting emphasizes speed and accuracy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Investigative Journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Journalist, you need strong research abilities, critical thinking, and a background in journalism or communications, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, public records databases, and digital security practices is typically required. Persistence, ethical judgment, and excellent written and verbal communication are vital soft skills for uncovering and reporting complex stories. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate, impactful investigations that hold institutions accountable and inform the public.

What is investigative journalism?

Investigative journalism is a form of journalism in which reporters deeply research a single topic of interest, such as serious crimes, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing. It often involves gathering and analyzing large amounts of information, interviewing sources, and sometimes even going undercover to uncover facts that are not easily accessible to the public. The goal is to reveal information that is of significant public interest and to hold powerful individuals or organizations accountable. Investigative journalists must be persistent, detail-oriented, and committed to ethical standards in order to provide accurate, impactful reporting.

What are some common challenges investigative journalists face when conducting in-depth reporting?

Investigative journalists often encounter obstacles such as limited access to information, uncooperative sources, and legal or ethical considerations when handling sensitive data. Protecting source confidentiality and verifying facts rigorously are essential but can be time-consuming. Additionally, investigative work usually requires collaboration with editors, legal teams, and sometimes data analysts to ensure stories are both accurate and publishable. Navigating these challenges demands persistence, strong research skills, and a commitment to ethical journalism.
More about Investigative Journalism jobs
What cities are hiring for Investigative Journalism jobs? Cities with the most Investigative Journalism job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Investigative Journalism jobs? The most popular types of Investigative Journalism jobs are:
What states have the most Investigative Journalism jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigative Journalism jobs include:
Infographic showing various Investigative Journalism job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,090 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Investigative Reporter/Producer

Hearst Newspapers

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Investigative Reporter / Producer

WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, is looking for an Investigative Reporter / Producer who can lead impactful investigative journalism in an award-winning newsroom. This is a high-profile, enterprise role focused on uncovering consumer issues, exposing wrongdoing, holding institutions accountable, and producing compelling special projects that make a real difference in our community.

We are looking for a journalist who thrives on digging deeper, asking tough questions, and creating meaningful, promotable storytelling across broadcast, digital, streaming, and social platforms. The ideal candidate is equally strong as a reporter and producer - someone who can originate investigations, collaborate across departments, and help execute stories weekly from concept to completion.


This role requires a self-starter who can develop exclusive content, cultivate sources, manage multiple projects, and produce stories that lead newscasts and drive audience engagement. The right applicant should have a portfolio of journalism that leads to change, conversation, and community impact.

The Investigative Reporter / Producer will report to the Assistant News Director and work closely with newsroom leadership, producers, digital teams, and photojournalists.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and report original investigative and consumer-focused stories that uncover scams, systemic failures, public accountability concerns, and issues affecting viewers' daily livesย 

  • Generate strong enterprise story ideas and pursue stories that go beyond surface-level reportingย 
  • Conduct informed interviews, build trusted sources, and break exclusive storiesย 
  • Plan, gather, write, and assemble stories for daily news coverage and long-form investigative projectsย 
  • Respond to breaking news with investigative angles and deeper contextย 
  • Build compelling live shots and deliver clear, engaging storytelling on-air and across platformsย 
  • Work independently or collaboratively with photographers to gather and edit compelling video and soundย 
  • Pitch, research, write, and produce investigative specials and long-form storytelling initiativesย 
  • Maintain and manage a calendar of special projects, follow-ups, and ongoing investigationsย 
  • Collaborate with newsroom leadership, producers, promotions, legal, and digital teams to maximize story impact and audience reachย 
  • Review scripts, teases, and story elements to ensure strong editorial standards and compelling presentationย 
  • Produce content for broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platformsย 
  • Contribute real-time updates, explainers, and follow-ups across mobile and social channelsย 
  • Work closely with reporters, producers, photojournalists, and digital staff on investigative initiativesย 
  • Communicate effectively across departments while managing multiple deadlines and prioritiesย 
  • Demonstrate sound editorial judgment, strong ethics, and unwavering journalistic integrityย 

Requirements

  • Professional reporting and/or producing experienceย 

  • Strong investigative, enterprise, and accountability journalism instinctsย 
  • Proven ability to develop original story ideas and uncover meaningful detailsย 
  • A demo reel and/or digital portfolio that reflect everyday work and impactful storytellingย 
  • Strong writing skills with the ability to simplify complex information into compelling, easy-to-understand contentย 
  • Knowledge of media law, public records requests, and investigative research techniquesย 
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skillsย 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlinesย 
  • Experience using modern field technology, editing systems, and mobile workflowsย 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced newsroom environmentย 
  • Strong visual storytelling and creative presentation skillsย 
  • Ability to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as neededย 
  • Valid driver's license and clear driving recordย 
  • Related military experience will be consideredย 

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

  • Medical | Dental | Vision
  • 401(k) matching
  • Emotional Wellness Support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • LGBTQ+ Health Services
  • Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs
Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.