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Investigative Reporter Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Tribune Media

Reporter

Memphis, TN

WREG in Memphis, Tennessee is looking for an aggressive Reporter who will research, investigate and enterprise a news story on a daily basis. Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to ...

WOWK-TV

Reporter

Memphis, TN · On-site

WREG in Memphis, Tennessee is looking for an aggressive Reporter who will research, investigate and enterprise a news story on a daily basis. Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to ...

Nexstar Media Group

Reporter

Memphis, TN · On-site

WREG in Memphis, Tennessee is looking for an aggressive Reporter who will research, investigate and enterprise a news story on a daily basis. Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to ...

gannett

Auto Industry Reporter

Nashville, TN

... investigations and consumer-focused coverage. The beat sits at the intersection of business ... Collaborate with editors and reporters across the network to amplify reach. * Build and maintain ...

gannett

Auto Industry Reporter

Nashville, TN · On-site

... investigations and consumer-focused coverage. The beat sits at the intersection of business ... Collaborate with editors and reporters across the network to amplify reach. * Build and maintain ...

All JobsInvestigative Reporter JobsInvestigative Reporter Jobs in Tennessee

Investigative Reporter information

See Tennessee salary details

$4

$20

$27

How much do investigative reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative reporter in Tennessee is $20.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $25.53 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 are popular job titles related to Investigative Reporter jobs in Tennessee? For Investigative Reporter jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Investigative Reporter jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Investigative Reporter jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Investigative Reporter jobs in TN? For Investigative Reporter jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Investigative Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Reporter job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,647 per year, or $21 per hour.

Reporter

Tribune Media

Memphis, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

WREG in Memphis, Tennessee is looking for an aggressive Reporter who will research, investigate and enterprise a news story on a daily basis.

Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to news gather, report and go live for the assigned newscast. Must be able to collaborate with the assigned photographer to producer solid reports daily.

  • Arranges interviews with people who can provide information about stories
  • Researches and analyzes background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information
  • Gathers information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social or other functions
  • Pitches stories to news managers and news producers which are relevant to the local community
  • Receives assignments and evaluates leads and tips to develop story ideas
  • Revises work to meet editorial approval or to fit time requirements
  • Produces, edits and presents reports for all platforms
  • Ensures that all content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
  • Writes stories for the web and other eMedia platforms
  • Interacts with viewers/users on social media sites
  • Performs special projects and other duties as assigned
  • Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
  • Fluency in English
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required
  • Minimum two years' experience in news reporting (Depending on market size)
  • Superior on-air presence
  • Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment
  • Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record
  • Flexibility to work any shift

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