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Investigative Reporter Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Investigative Reporter/Anchor WCYB/WEMT is seeking an experienced, enterprising, and relentless Investigative Reporter/Anchor to join our award-winning news team. We are looking for a journalist who ...

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Investigative Reporter information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$22

$30

How much do investigative reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative reporter in Virginia is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $27.88 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.
What are popular job titles related to Investigative Reporter jobs in Virginia? For Investigative Reporter jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Investigative Reporter jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Investigative Reporter jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Investigative Reporter jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Investigative Reporter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Investigative Reporter jobs in VA? For Investigative Reporter jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Investigative Reporter job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,677 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Investigative Reporter/Anchor

Nebraska Broadcasters Association

Bristol, VA • On-site

$18.70 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Investigative Reporter/Anchor

WCYB/WEMT is seeking an experienced, enterprising, and relentless Investigative Reporter/Anchor to join our award-winning news team. We are looking for a journalist who is passionate about uncovering impactful stories, holding those in power accountable, and delivering meaningful journalism that makes a difference in our communities.

The ideal candidate is a skilled investigator and compelling storyteller who thrives on digging deeper, asking tough questions, and pursuing the facts wherever they lead. This role requires a journalist who can develop original investigations, cultivate trusted sources, and present stories with credibility and confidence both in the field and at the anchor desk.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain a strong network of sources and community contacts to generate exclusive investigative and enterprise story ideas
  • Research, pitch, and execute impactful investigative and consumer-focused reports across multiple platforms
  • Identify accountability angles within daily news coverage and pursue deeper reporting opportunities
  • Collaborate closely with newsroom leadership, producers, and digital teams to develop investigations from concept through publication and broadcast
  • Utilize public records, data analysis, FOIA requests, and other investigative tools to uncover stories that serve the public interest
  • Write compelling, accurate, and engaging content for broadcast, digital, and social media platforms
  • Anchor assigned newscasts with professionalism, credibility, and strong news judgment
  • Deliver dynamic live reports and breaking news coverage from the field and studio
  • Create digital-exclusive and extended investigative content to maximize audience engagement
  • Maintain an active social media presence to build audience connections, source story ideas, and promote investigative work
  • Represent the station at community events and public forums as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Proven ability to develop and cultivate sources that lead to impactful, original reporting
  • Strong investigative instincts with a demonstrated commitment to accountability journalism
  • Excellent live reporting, anchoring, interviewing, and storytelling skills
  • Knowledge of public records laws, FOIA processes, computer-assisted reporting, and data-driven journalism
  • Understanding of legal and ethical considerations related to investigative reporting
  • Strong writing, editorial judgment, and news-gathering skills
  • Experience producing content for digital and social media platforms
  • Proficiency in video shooting, editing, and multimedia storytelling
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments
  • Minimum of one year of investigative reporting experience preferred
  • Track record of impactful or award-winning investigative journalism is preferred

At WCYB, your work will matter. For more than 70 years, WCYB has been a trusted source of news and information across the Tri-Cities region, building a legacy of strong local journalism and community service. As the region's leading news organization, we are committed to impactful reporting that informs, empowers, and holds those in power accountable. You'll have the opportunity to pursue meaningful investigations, work alongside an experienced and award-winning team, and tell stories that resonate across our communities. If you're ready to make a difference and grow your career in a newsroom that values enterprise reporting, innovation, and journalistic excellence, we encourage you to apply.

While applying, please provide an online portfolio/reel link for review.

EEO AND INCLUSIVITY:

Sinclair is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

The hourly compensation range for this role is $18.70 to $22.00. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location. Full time positions are eligible for benefits that include participation in a retirement plan, life and disability insurance, health, dental and vision plans, flexible spending accounts, 15 paid vacation days, 2 paid personal days, 9 paid holidays, 40 hours of paid sick leave, parental leave, and employee stock purchase plan.

Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates, and/or provides services to 178 television stations in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel, the premium destination for tennis enthusiasts; multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, and The Nest. Sinclair's AMP Media produces a growing portfolio of digital content and original podcasts. Additional information about Sinclair can be found at www.sbgi.net.The life-blood of our organization is our people. We have a compelling story, a goal-oriented culture, and we take really good care of people. How good? Here is a glimpse: great benefits, open door policy, upward mobility and a strong desire to see you succeed. Ready to be part of a winning team? Let's talk.

Nebraska Broadcasters Association logo

About Nebraska Broadcasters Association

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) is a key player in the communications industry located in Omaha, NE, US. Officially established in 1934, it was founded with the mission of fostering effective cooperation among broadcasters in Nebraska, advocating for their rights and promoting the highest standards of broadcasting. NBA is the voice for Nebraska’s free over-the-air radio and television broadcasters, serving the public interest since 1934. As a non-profit association, it relies on dues from member broadcasting stations to fulfill its purpose. Among its notable achievements, the association has played a major role in supporting broadcasters and ensuring they maintain adherence to regulations.

Industry

Media and telecom

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1934

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