Investigative Journalist

Sinclair & Co. - Cockeysville, MD

Full-time

Cockeysville, MD

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers

About the position

FOX 45 is seeking dynamic Investigative Reporters/Writers to join our team in Hunt Valley, MD. This role is pivotal in producing exclusive, innovative, hard-hitting, and high-impact stories for various platforms including digital, social media, and television. The stories crafted by our team will go beyond the basics of general reporting; they will uncover pressing issues, hold government and elected leaders accountable, and advocate for solutions that resonate with the communities we serve. Our mission is to provide our audiences with meaningful content that has a tangible impact on their lives. The ideal candidate will possess strong news judgment and be a compelling and accurate writer. They should excel at multitasking and managing their time effectively to contribute to an exciting and informative news product. A clear understanding of how to dig for a story, conduct thorough research, and write with a thought-provoking edge is essential. The role demands strong storytelling skills, particularly with a focus on accountability reporting. Familiarity with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process, computer-assisted reporting, and data-driven reporting is required, along with an understanding of the legal issues surrounding investigative news reporting. Strong writing skills and a keen awareness of current events are crucial for success in this position. This position thrives in a highly collaborative environment, where teamwork is essential. The ability to work closely with colleagues and contribute to a collective goal of impactful journalism is a must.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain contacts and sources in the community to enterprise story ideas
• Identify and pitch investigative angles on big daily news stories
• Work closely with local and corporate news leadership to refine investigative pitches and story scripts
• Write online, print and broadcast versions of investigative reports and produce digital specific content for each investigation
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Three (3) years of reporting/producing experience preferred
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
• Must be a strong storyteller with the ability to make the complicated understandable
• Must be able to use all available tools to enhance stories, from graphics to social media
• Should be able to generate story ideas and determine the legitimacy of viewer tips
• Strong writer, storyteller
• Must be naturally inquisitive with an interest in holding government officials accountable