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Investigative Journalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Multimedia Journalist

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$40K - $43K/yr

Interest in investigative journalism is a plus. Requirements: * A. or B.S. Degree preferably in journalism or English or equivalent experience * At least 2 years of experience in television news ...

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Investigative Journalist information

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How much do investigative journalist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative journalist 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an investigative journalist?

To thrive as an Investigative Journalist, you need strong research abilities, excellent writing and fact-checking skills, and typically a degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, FOIA request procedures, and digital content management systems can be essential for more in-depth investigations. Persistence, ethical judgment, and the ability to build trust with sources are standout soft skills in this profession. These competencies are crucial for uncovering, reporting, and presenting complex stories accurately and responsibly.

Do investigative journalists get paid well?

Investigative journalists' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer, but they generally earn less than many other professions in journalism. Entry-level positions may pay modestly, while experienced investigative reporters working for major outlets or in specialized roles can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by awards or freelance work. Skills such as strong research, writing, and data analysis can influence earning potential.

What is an investigative journalist?

An Investigative Journalist researches and reports on complex issues, uncovering hidden truths through in-depth analysis, interviews, and document reviews. They often work on topics like corruption, crime, or social injustices, aiming to hold powerful individuals or organizations accountable. Their work requires strong analytical skills, persistence, and ethical responsibility to provide accurate and impactful stories.

What does an investigative journalist do?

A typical day for an Investigative Journalist often involves researching leads, conducting interviews, verifying facts, and drafting or editing stories. You may spend significant time analyzing documents, filing public records requests, and collaborating with editors or other reporters. The work can be both independent and highly collaborative, especially when projects require teamwork or legal review. Flexibility is key, as stories may require following up on emerging developments or adapting quickly to new information. The variety and depth of tasks make every day unique and intellectually engaging.

How do you become an investigative journalist?

To become an investigative journalist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong research and reporting skills, and learning to use tools like data analysis software are essential steps. Building a portfolio of investigative work and understanding legal and ethical considerations also help advance in this field.
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Infographic showing various Investigative Journalist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% 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

Re-posted 18 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.