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Investigative Reporter Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Fineline Imprints

REPORTER

Zanesville, OH · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description MMJ/PRODUCER/ANCHOR WHIZ NBC / FOX - Zanesville, OH. Full-Time Contract Position WHIZ is seeking a creative journalist to join our news team. Must be a community-minded ...

Da Francesco's

High School Sports Reporter

Brooklyn, OH

$55K - $63K/yr

Content examples could include breaking news, recruiting news, investigations, trend stories, video explainers and social-first reporting. This reporter will join a three-person high school sports ...

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How much do investigative reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative reporter in Ohio is $21.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $26.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Investigative Reporter, you need strong research, analytical, and writing skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with data analysis tools, public records databases, and digital research platforms is often required. Persistence, ethical judgment, and effective interpersonal communication distinguish outstanding investigative journalists. These skills and qualities are crucial for uncovering important stories, ensuring accuracy, and building trust with sources and audiences.

What does an investigative reporter do?

An investigative reporter conducts interviews or research to help build their story. This type of journalism often focuses on one topic at a time and may require travel and irregular hours. In this career, you investigate multiple elements of a story and find various source options to obtain information. You might specialize in a niche, such as crime, politics, or even doing consumer research to see if products meet people’s expectations. Some reporters take photos to accompany their stories. You need basic computer skills to type up and format your story for publishing.

What are some common challenges investigative reporters face when working on complex stories?

Investigative reporters often encounter obstacles such as gaining access to reliable sources, verifying information from multiple perspectives, and handling legal or ethical considerations around sensitive topics. The process can be time-consuming and demanding, requiring persistence, discretion, and adaptability. Collaboration with editors, legal teams, and sometimes data analysts is key to ensuring stories are accurate, fair, and impactful while maintaining source confidentiality and journalistic integrity.

What is the difference between Investigative Reporter vs News Reporter?

AspectInvestigative ReporterNews Reporter
CredentialsJournalism degree, experience in investigative workJournalism degree, general reporting experience
Work EnvironmentResearch-heavy, often in offices or field investigationsOn-location, live reporting, newsroom
Employer & IndustryNews organizations, media outletsNews organizations, media outlets
Search & Comparison IntentInvestigative work, in-depth storiesBreaking news, daily reporting

Investigative reporters focus on in-depth research and uncovering hidden stories, often requiring specialized skills and longer-term projects. News reporters cover daily news events, providing timely updates. While both roles work within journalism and media industries, investigative reporters typically engage in more detailed, long-term investigations compared to the fast-paced nature of news reporting.

What does an investigative reporter do?

An Investigative Reporter is a journalist who specializes in uncovering information that is often hidden from the public. They conduct in-depth research, analyze data, interview sources, and follow leads to expose wrongdoing, corruption, or significant social issues. Their work often takes weeks or months and can involve complex subjects such as government, business, or crime. The goal is to inform the public and hold powerful individuals or organizations accountable.
More about Investigative Reporter jobs
What job categories do people searching Investigative Reporter jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Investigative Reporter jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Investigative Reporter jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Investigative Reporter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Investigative Reporter jobs in OH? For Investigative Reporter jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Investigative Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Reporter job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,719 per year, or $22 per hour.

Investigative Reporter/MMJ, WCPO

The E.W. Scripps Company

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

E.W. Scripps rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 76 rated media

Job description

WCPO, The E.W. Scripps Company ABC affiliate in Cincinnati, OH, is searching for an Investigative Reporter/Multimedia Journalist to join our team. In this role, you will collect and analyze complex information of newsworthy events relying on critical relationships with local news makers. This position will be relied upon primarily for lead stories and/or specialized segments.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Develop, create and research news leads and news tips to develop story ideas.
  • Uncover stories through investigation and research.
  • Use computer database to research statistics and facts.
  • Gather and verify factual information regarding stories through interview, observation, and research.
  • Organize material, determine slant or emphasis, and writes story according to prescribed editorial style and format standards.
  • Shoot video and still photos to illustrate stories.
  • Edit, or assist in editing, videos for all multimedia platforms.
  • Appear on television program when conducting taped interview or narration.
  • Give live reports from site of event or mobile broadcast unit.
  • Write and produce quality news stories for multiple media platforms.
  • Work cooperatively with photographer assigned to story, if one is assigned.
  • Assist news producer in preparing newscast.
  • Assist online staff in preparing for multi media stories.
  • Report, write, capture visual content, edit and produce stories for multiple platforms on deadline, such as Internet and digital channels.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
  • BS/BA in related discipline or equivalent years of experience preferred
  • Generally, 5+ years of experience in related field preferred

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
  • Strong communication skills, oral and written
  • Storytelling ability
  • Promote teamwork attitude with station employees
  • Exceptional on-air personality
  • Multitask multiple stories
  • Advance ability in critical thinking
  • Valid driver's license, good driving record, and ability to provide proof of insurance with the company required insurance limits

WHERE YOU'LL LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY:
Cincinnati, Ohio, offers the perfect blend of Midwestern charm and big-city amenities. Known as the "Queen City," Cincinnati sits along the scenic Ohio River and boasts a rich cultural heritage, world-class arts scene, and passionate sports culture with the Reds and Bengals. The city's diverse neighborhoods-from the historic Over-the-Rhine district with its trendy restaurants and breweries to the family-friendly suburbs-offer something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the extensive park system, including the beautiful Eden Park and nearby hiking trails. With a thriving food scene, renowned museums like the Cincinnati Art Museum, and a lower cost of living compared to other major metros, Cincinnati provides an exceptional quality of life for professionals and families alike.
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If you are a current Scripps employee, please do not apply on this site. Please access our internal career site at Worklife > My Info > View Open Positions at Scripps.
SCRIPPS' COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:
At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose.
ABOUT SCRIPPS:
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation's largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation's largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: "Give light and the people will find their own way."
As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.

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