True Crime Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Gray Media:

Gray Media, or Gray, is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 77 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second-highest-rated television station, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 45 markets totaling nearly 1.5 million Hispanic TV Households. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About KPHO/KTVK:

Home to CBS 5, 3TV, and Arizona’s Family Sports, Arizona's Family produces more than 100+ hours of local news and programming every week. CBS 5 is Arizona’s Most-Watched Television Station, driven by the power of CBS programming and sports, while 3TV is one of the strongest Independent television stations in the country with its highly-rated morning show, Good Morning Arizona. And the reach of Arizona's Family doesn't stop with linear television. Azfamily.com is the market's top performer in local multi-platform unique users. It is also home to Arizona's Family Originals. Our in-house original content production team works on several long-form programs, documentaries, docuseries, and original podcasts, including True Crime Arizona, which is nearing 2 million downloads.

Arizona’s Family Sports is home to the state’s premier sports franchises, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Rising, and the Arizona Interscholastic Association high school state championships.

Job Summary/Description:

Are you obsessed with the "why" behind the headlines? Do you find yourself digging through court records at midnight or tracking digital footprints to find the one detail everyone else missed? Arizona’s Family is looking for an Investigative True Crime Reporter who doesn't just cover cases—they own them. We need a powerhouse storyteller who can lead our "True Crime Arizona" franchise across every platform, from high-stakes live streaming shows and deep-dive podcasts to raw, vlog-style digital originals. If you’re a savvy investigator who thrives on the urgency of breaking news and the nuance of long-form justice, we want to talk to you.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

What You’ll Do:
• Drive the "True Crime Arizona" franchise: Act as the captain of our true crime ship, leading the research, development, and execution of our weekly one-hour live streaming show.
• Master multi-platform storytelling: Transition seamlessly between traditional reporting, raw "vlog-style" long-form digital content, and immersive podcasting.
• Own the digital space: Curate, optimize, and schedule high-performing content for YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram (because you know that’s where the audience lives).
• Build a community: Engage directly with your audience in real-time chats and social comments to turn viewers into a loyal, interactive true-crime community.
• Cultivate deep sources: Maintain and grow relationships with victims' families, legal experts, private investigators, and PIOs to get the tips that put us ahead.
• Break down the bench: Work with attorneys and former law enforcement to translate complex charges and trial maneuvers into compelling, relatable content.
• Collaborate with the crew: Partner with editors and directors to craft "Behind the Story" hits and news previews that drive traffic to our streaming platforms.

What You Bring:
• A digital-first heart: You understand that social media isn't an afterthought; it’s the engine. You’re comfortable filming your own reels, screen-recording pool feeds, and optimizing YouTube metadata.
• Investigative grit: You have a proven track record of digging into trials, cold cases, and breaking crime news with urgency and accuracy.
• The "Ad-Lib" Factor: You can think on your feet and provide deep context during unscripted live broadcasts without breaking a sweat.
• Radical empathy: You know how to interview a grieving family member or a high-profile expert with the same level of respect, ethics, and integrity.
• Technical savvy: You’re comfortable (or quick to learn) navigating ENPS, BitCentral, and various news sources to hunt down the perfect b-roll and soundbites.
• Leadership mindset: You’re ready to steer the team, making quick calls when things go sideways and keeping the show moving forward.
• True crime fluency: You’re already following the biggest trials and documentaries, and you know exactly what the true crime audience is craving next.

Why You’ll Love It Here:
• Creative Freedom: We’re leaning into raw, "vlog-style" storytelling and experimental digital formats - you’ll have the room to innovate and "take people with you" on the hunt.
• Real Impact: Your work helps provide a voice to victims and brings clarity to the most complex legal cases in Arizona.
• A Digital Powerhouse: You’ll be part of a team that is leading the way in the streaming and social space, not just following old-school news models.
• Career-Defining Ownership: This isn't just a reporting job; it’s a chance to be the face and voice of a major media franchise.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education:
• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, broadcasting, or equivalent work experience
• Local travel required

Experience:
• Five years of air-news reporting experience, specifically breaking news/true crime content. Journalistic skills, editorial judgment, with knowledge of editing and photography skills, or equivalent work experience

Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to work under pressure, adapt to change, meet deadlines, work well as a team, and work independently.
• Exceptional communication skills and excellent knowledge of current events

Ready to lead the investigation and tell the stories that matter? Let’s create something unforgettable.

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people,  go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, you may type in the job title, station call letters, or click on "apply now", upload your resume, cover letter, and references

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal)

KPHO/KTVK-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with Gray’s employees' ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.