1

Political Reporter Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

... reporters, anchors, producers, videographers, etc.). It might also be a good fit for students who ... Pre-Law, Political Science, and Criminal Justice are encouraged to apply. It's fun! Our interns ...

Political Reporter information

See Alabama salary details

$16.1K

$51.7K

$81.2K

How much do political reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for political reporter in Alabama is $51,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,599.00 and $71,038.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a political reporter do?

A political reporter covers news and events related to politics, government, and public policy. Their job involves researching and writing articles, conducting interviews with politicians and experts, attending press conferences, and analyzing political developments. Political reporters also fact-check information, provide context for ongoing events, and help inform the public about important political issues. They may work for newspapers, magazines, online media, or broadcast outlets, and often work under tight deadlines to deliver timely and accurate news.

What are some common challenges political reporters face when covering breaking news events?

Political reporters often face tight deadlines and the need to quickly verify facts when covering breaking news, especially during elections or major policy announcements. They must balance accuracy with speed, sometimes working late hours or on weekends to keep up with fast-changing developments. Additionally, maintaining impartiality and building trustworthy sources in a highly scrutinized field can be challenging, but these are essential for delivering reliable coverage. Team collaboration is key, as reporters frequently coordinate with editors, photographers, and fellow journalists to ensure comprehensive reporting.

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

To thrive as a Political Reporter, you need strong research, interviewing, and writing skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or political science. Familiarity with content management systems, data analysis tools, and multimedia platforms is essential for timely and accurate reporting. Critical thinking, ethical judgment, and the ability to build relationships are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for delivering accurate, insightful, and trustworthy political news to the public.

What does a political reporter do?

A Political Reporter is a journalist who has the responsibility of documenting current events and issues of the day concerning local and federal government. You will tell these stories through the actions and perspectives of local, regional, national, or international elected officials and their allies and rivals. This can be communicated through print, television, radio, digital or other media. In some cases, you will be required to travel and cover certain events in person depending on your exact role. As a Political Reporter, you must be a skillful interviewer and researcher who is able to meet sometimes challenging deadlines. You should be a talented storyteller with the ability to stay neutral or to clearly deliver multiple viewpoints on each issue in fair and balanced coverage.

What is the difference between Political Reporter vs Political Correspondent?

AspectPolitical ReporterPolitical Correspondent
CredentialsJournalism degree, reporting experienceJournalism degree, reporting experience
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, press conferences, on-the-ground reportingNewsrooms, live events, political campaigns
Employer & IndustryMedia outlets, newspapers, TV stationsMedia outlets, TV networks, online platforms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding political news coverageUnderstanding roles in political media coverage

Both Political Reporters and Political Correspondents work in political journalism, often covering similar topics. However, Political Reporters typically focus on reporting news stories and breaking political events, while Political Correspondents often provide in-depth analysis and live coverage from political events. Their roles overlap, but the main difference lies in their focus and style of reporting.

What are popular job titles related to Political Reporter jobs in Alabama? For Political Reporter jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Political Reporter jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Political Reporter jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Political Reporter jobs in AL? For Political Reporter jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Political Reporter job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,682 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

News Intern (In-Person) Fall 2026

WOWK-TV

Mobile, AL

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Why Intern with WKRG-TV / wkrg.com in Mobile, AL?

  • You will learn so much by observing AND DOING.
  • You will work with knowledgeable, friendly, generous teammates.
  • You will participate with a diverse cohort of students from universities across the USA and around the world.
  • You will have fun on the job.
  • You will have a blast when you're not working, as our community has many beautiful beaches, other great attractions to see, and activities to enjoy.
  • Your internship experience could significantly strengthen you as a candidate for full-time positions upon graduation.

Qualifications for Fall 2026 News Internships:

Internships with WKRG-TV / wkrg.com are HIGHLY SELECTIVE.

All Fall 2026 News Internships are IN-PERSON and based at our main broadcast & digital studios in Mobile, Alabama.


We do not offer remote News Internships.

All internships are SUPERVISED. The intern's station supervisor will oversee the intern's attendance and performance to evaluate, monitor, and assess the intern's progress and ensure they are receiving the proper education/training.

All internships are UNPAID.

Students who must earn academic credit to participate will receive priority consideration for positions in the cohort. Students are expected to obtain and complete any forms necessary to receive credit for the internship experience. The intern's college/university academic advisor (and institution guidelines) determines the amount of credit available (and subsequently, the amount of time an intern will be available on a weekly basis). The station intern supervisor will take into account each intern's availability to establish a work schedule which provides for an enriching experience.

The intern is responsible for their own transportation.

APPLY NOW to secure a Fall 2026 News Internship position:

An application is required.

Go to the Nexstar Careers portal at https://www.nexstar.tv/careers/ and apply for Fall 2026 News Internship no later than 5pm CST, Thursday, September 3, 2026.

However, as interns are selected on a rolling basis, first-come / first-selected, we recommend you APPLY AS EARLY IN THE SUMMER 2026 SEMESTER AS POSSIBLE.

After submitting your application online, please email a copy of your resume to WKRG News Director Gene Kirkconnell at gkirkconnell@wkrg.com. The body of that email should include a short note explaining why you are interested in participating in Fall 2026 internship program. Also, in that email, offer up several timeslots which are convenient for you to participate in a video conference to interview for the position.

IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES for Fall 2026 Internship Applicants:

Applications, interviews, and acceptance are conducted on a rolling basis.

Fall 2026 News Internship Cohort positions will be filled by qualified candidates on a first come, first selected basis. When available internship slots are filled, the application process will be closed. This may occur BEFORE the deadlines and dates posted below.

The sooner you apply (by Wednesday, August 5, 2026, is recommended), the sooner you will be interviewed, and the sooner you will learn if you have been accepted into the program.

Here are some important dates and deadlines of which to be aware:

  • Selected interns may begin their internship experience on or after Monday, August 10, 2026.
  • Selected interns should complete their internship experience on or before Friday, December 18, 2026.
  • Monday, June 22, 2026 - Application Period Opens
  • Wednesday, September 9, 2026- Application Period Closes on or, per rolling acceptance, before this date
  • August 2026 - Group Internship Orientation Session (via Video Conference Call on a Day/Time TBD)

LEARNING OUTCOMES for the Fall 2026 News Internship include:

Broaden understanding of journalism and the media industry and employment opportunities in the field.

Improve craft and presentation skills applicable to the student's course of study and intended career.

Depart the experience with professional work samples for use in your portfolio.

Develop contacts in the industry to facilitate mentoring and career connections.

More Details About the Fall 2026 Internship:

The program is a great fit for students who aspire to careers in

News/Journalism (multi-media journalists, reporters, anchors, producers, videographers, etc.).
It might also be a good fit for students who aspire to careers which interact with editorial professionals or careers in content marketing, public relations, marketing, and promotions.

Students majoring in fields of study including Journalism, Broadcasting, Digital Content, English, Creative Writing, Literature, Pre-Law, Political Science, and Criminal Justice are encouraged to apply.

It's fun! Our interns enjoy their experience on the job and take advantage of the wonderful area in which we live; the beaches, food, history, and culture.

With What Should I Be Familiar Before I Begin the Fall 2026 News Internship?

The most successful applicants will have already engaged in coursework and/or practical work in the following areas:
News Writing - Arrive to the internship with a basic working understanding of AP style & standards for text articles and broadcast scripts. The internship will teach you how to hone your writing to craft more compelling articles and scripts which adhere to professional formats and standards.
Meeting Deadlines - Journalism is driven by delivering assignments in a timely fashion. The pace is very fast. Assignments often change with little notice. You should be prepared to participate nimbly and with flexibility to fully experience how professionals in our organization conduct their business and meet their responsibilities.


Video Editing - Arrive to the internship knowing how to use a timeline-based software editing program like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. The internship will teach you how to organize, shape, and sharpen the material you capture into lucid, stronger visual stories.


Video Acquisition - Arrive to the internship able to capture video, natural sound, and interviews on your phone or camera. The internship will teach you how to develop your eye and ear to identify and capture even stronger elements for your stories.

Company Overview:

Nexstar Media Group (NASDAQ: NXST) is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms. Its wholly owned operating subsidiary, Nexstar Inc., consists of three divisions: Broadcasting, Digital, and Networks. The Broadcasting Division operates, programs, or provides sales and other services to 198 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 116 markets or approximately 39% of all U.S. television households (reflecting the FCC's UHF discount). The division's portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. The Digital Division operates 122 local websites and 316 mobile apps offering hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how they access content and creating new revenue opportunities for the company. The Networks Division operates WGN America, a growing national general entertainment cable network and the home of NewsNation, multicast network Antenna TV, and WGN Radio in Chicago. Nexstar also owns a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network, a top tier cable asset. For more information, please visit www.nexstar.tv.

EEO Statement:

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled