Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for investigative reporters in the United States
Are investigative reporter jobs in demand?
Investigative reporter job and salary trends over time
Investigative reporter jobs over time
Investigative reporter job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 186 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 198 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 210 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 185 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 193 | 0.00% |
Average investigative reporter salary over time
Investigative reporter salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,230 | $31.36 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $63,017 | $30.30 | +3.0% |
| 2023 | $61,208 | $29.43 | +4.8% |
| 2022 | $58,404 | $28.08 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $56,105 | $26.97 | +4.0% |
Investigative reporter jobs by state
Most common states for investigative reporters
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 207 | 30% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 32 | 6% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 295 | 5% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 361 | 4% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 295 | 4% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 173 | 4% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 29 | 4% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 24 | 4% |
| 9 | New York | 19,849,399 | 679 | 3% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 197 | 3% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 141 | 3% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 88 | 3% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 52 | 3% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 23 | 3% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 964 | 2% |
| 16 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 269 | 2% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 204 | 2% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 170 | 2% |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 121 | 2% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 25 | 2% |
Most common cities for investigative reporters
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miramar | 1 | 1% | $53,768 |
| 2 | Mobile | 1 | 1% | $57,651 |
| 3 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $56,172 |
| 4 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $58,416 |
| 5 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $83,038 |
| 6 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $85,614 |
Investigative Reporter job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of investigative reporter experts
The University of Findlay
Western Kentucky University
Georgia State University
Montclair State University
New Mexico State University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Our Lady of the Lake University
American University
Butler University
University of Oregon
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Lehigh University
Luther College
California State University
Colorado Public Radio
University of Central Missouri
Arkansas State University
The University of Kansas
California University of Pennsylvania
Ferrum College
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Amy Rogan: Many think that journalism is dying when in actuality is evolving. There are so many media sites out there that are not actual journalism and yet, our society needs real journalism now more than ever. Misinformation and disinformation spread so quickly, it contaminates the media landscape. But we need journalists willing to build their reputation and their audience so that trained professional journalists drown out the fiction or infotainment.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Rogan: Journalists do a number of things and no two days look alike. Journalists need to have sound, solid news judgement and know their audience and what their audience needs to know. They pitch stories to their editors, producers, or managers, then they research their story topic, find the appropriate interviews and set those up. Once they complete the interviews and gather all their research they then have to craft a story that captures the readers’ or viewers’ attention and serves the community. Typically, that is just one day of work unless you’re working on a special project. Multimedia skills are in high demand because journalists are on so many platforms these days. You need to know how to write for print, digital, and broadcast. And, if you know how to shoot and edit video as well as write, your name goes to the top of the list.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Amy Rogan: People working in journalism probably most dislike the hours and the pay but it’s truly one of the most rewarding fields to work in. It can be stressful but also exciting and challenging. Whether at the local level or a larger stage, it’s truly a service to your community to provide vital information.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Professor Mac McKerral: Producing quality journalism is not easy. It’s hard work and requires a variety of skills, all of which contribute to quality journalism. The writing, reporting and editing must all be in balance and strong. Anyone can be a journalist these days. But not everyone should. Continue to learn on the job. Find a good mentor/editor and milk that individual for everything he or she can offer. If you want to write about yourself rather than others, seek a different career. Your first job might not be your ideal job, but it will be the ticket to your ideal job. Approach every assignment, regardless of how menial, as if it is the most important story ever. You cannot pick and choose what you want to do well. Anything you report will impact someone. Always remember that. Develop a visceral hate for mistakes. Know what your ethical line in the sand is before you are faced with an ethical conundrum. Understanding where you stand before making ethical decisions will enhance your chances of making the right choice.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Mac McKerral: Fact checking. Ethical use of AI. Getting back to dealing with sources face-to-face. Using literary writing devices to tell great stories.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Professor Mac McKerral: Produce quality work for student publications while in school. Do multiple internships. Hold onto and use what you are taught in school. Be capable of doing anything needed: A/V news gathering and editing; visual work; editing; basic design. Be self-motivated and take initiative. Show a wiliness to learn.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Helen Cauley Ph.D.: The need for people who can tell accurate, engrossing stories in a variety of media is increasing. That means being able to write concisely, speak with authority and take photos/video/sound that engage an audience. Don’t expect to have a camera crew or editor at your elbow. The more proficient you can be in mastering those tasks, the more valuable you will be.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Helen Cauley Ph.D.: Two things: 1/ Don’t wait to graduate to lay the foundation for your career. Work in the student media. Join organizations that connect you to professionals in your area (press clubs, student chapters of professional organizations). These connections often lead to internships, part-time jobs and freelance opportunities. Classroom learning is key to getting the fundamentals down, but on-the-job experience is priceless. Along with establishing a network, it will provide you with published/broadcast work you can show to future employers. 2/ Do not expect to graduate and start working at The New York Times. It takes years of experience to break into the major media organizations. Start small: Look for opportunities in second- and third-tier media markets (think suburban/rural, not urban). Even at places like CNN, get your foot in the door as a researcher, fact checker or other entry level position and prove yourself. That’s how people get promoted.
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin
Associate Professor, Multimedia JournalismMontclair State University
Radio, Television, And Digital Communication
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin: In the area of multimedia storytelling, versatility is paramount. Much like a Swiss Army knife, having a diverse skill set is invaluable. While it's beneficial to cultivate expertise in a specific area, especially as you progress in your career, starting out often calls for a broader approach. Exploring a range of skills and interests allows you to discover your true passion before committing wholeheartedly. Once you've identified your passion, devote yourself to it wholeheartedly and strive to become an expert. However, don't overlook the importance of putting in the time to develop those skills. Whatever path you choose, continually seek out innovative ways to improve and refine your craft. Embrace creativity and experimentation, always pushing yourself to do better and explore new horizons.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Darren Phillips M.A.: Truth and accuracy must take center stage moving forward as media distrust and just the rise of misinformation and outright propaganda continue to drive wedges and sow discord in the world. A strong, almost fanatical commitment to journalistic ethics should be foundational to anyone starting out in a media career — especially news reporting. This requires one to pay hawk-like attention to detail. Spell names correctly, get dates right, quote people accurately 100% of the time, and know enough about the topic at hand to include accurate and relevant context every time. No exceptions. Beyond that, new journalists will need to be open-minded and flexible. The media market is expanding every day, but the traditional career path of 20-30 years ago, or even 5-10 years ago, has completely changed. This has everything to do with technological innovation. Journalists must embrace technological change including changing business models. Be open to new ways of communicating and telling stories. Try to cut your teeth in a staff job for the first few years, but consider your long-term viability and influence as a media professional may well require you to strike out on your own. Why not freelance fulltime or start your own media company? Consider taking courses in small business management, develop your entrepreneurial instincts, be willing to take some risks and think horizontally. Career success does not necessarily equal ladder-climbing in this day and age. Finally, lean into social media outlets as both marketing tools and storytelling platforms in and of themselves. And learn everything you can about generative AI. For better or worse, it’s here to stay, and the media industry will demand people with the skills to use it responsibly and effectively.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Darren Phillips M.A.: First and foremost, I would advise journalists starting out to be curious and to read, read, and read some more. The best storytellers are voracious consumers of information — credible information — and they’re infinitely curious about world events, politics, history, and the like. Knowledge is power. It’s also marketability. Be an expert, or at least know enough about the wider world to be able to bring relevant context and nuance to your work. This requires you to read. For journalism students still in school, this also means taking elective courses in government and economics, geography, and other subjects outside your major that will help you make greater sense of complex topics. Reading and just a life-long commitment to learning are so important.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Darren Phillips M.A.: Maximizing salary potential as a media professional starts with everything I’ve already mentioned. Journalists and even PR and advertising professionals must be extremely well informed on a broad range of topics. This starts with reading and just being a voracious media consumer. This also requires one to think critically, to consume media from disparate sources, to not shy away from contrarian viewpoints, and to work hard and in good faith to synthesize information responsibly. This ties in with maintaining strict allegiance to industry best practices including media ethics. Reputation is everything. Make sure your employers, prospective employers, and clients all understand and appreciate your professional integrity and just your commitment to truth and accuracy. Moreover, embrace change, lean into technological change, and become a bit of a techno geek. Work hard making contacts and building a professional network. Work hard, generally. Hard work goes a long way in any vocation. Beyond that, attend industry conferences, pay close attention to your online presence, curate your social media profiles carefully and put some real time and thought into things like your LinkedIn profile and online portfolio. Lastly, don’t be put off by rejection. Rejection comes with the territory in any competitive career field. Believe in yourself, stay positive, stay open minded, learn all you can, read like crazy, keep grinding, and success will follow eventually.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Embarking on a career in news television broadcasting is a thrilling journey, filled with opportunities and challenges that will push you to grow and excel. The students must develop strong writing skills. I'd appreciate it if you could practice writing scripts for various news stories to hone your skills in delivering information effectively to your audience. They also need to focus on building a diverse demo reel. Showcase your versatility by gaining experience in different areas of broadcasting, such as reporting, anchoring, producing, and editing. And watch the news to stay informed. Stay updated on current events and what is going on in your community. Finally, practice your on-air presence. Practice in front of a camera and ask for feedback from mentors or peers. Work on your delivery, tone, and body language to build confidence and credibility on camera. One last thing, it's crucial to develop a thick skin. Journalism can be a demanding and sometimes stressful field. By developing resilience, you can handle criticism, rejection, and pressure with grace and composure, feeling more prepared for the challenges you may face.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Students will need to become more digital and Social Media savvy. As digital platforms continue to reshape how audiences consume news and information, digital and social media proficiency will be increasingly crucial. However, Multimedia Storytelling must be a cornerstone of our industry. Integrating multimedia elements such as video, audio, graphics, and interactive elements will become more prevalent in broadcast journalism. Professionals who can tell compelling stories using a combination of multimedia formats will be in high demand. I always encourage students to enroll in Data Visualization courses. The ability to extract meaningful insights from data and present them visually engagingly will help broadcasters provide deeper insights and context to their stories. We must remember Mobile Journalism (MoJo). Using your mobile devices to capture, edit, and publish news content will become a standard for journalists. Last but not least, journalists must build meaningful connections with audiences through interactive storytelling, live chats, audience polls, and user-generated content will become increasingly important. Broadcasters who can foster active engagement and dialogue with their audience will be able to cultivate loyal viewership and build community around their content.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Let’s be honest. Your chances of becoming a millionaire in this broadcast industry are slim. Most recently graduated students in the news industry would likely move to a middle-of-nowhere market to start their careers. The pay will not be great, but the opportunities to gain valuable experience will be unique. However, there are some tips you should consider. For example, make sure you research the industry standards. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or industry-specific salary surveys can provide valuable insights into salary ranges for different positions. Also, make sure that you highlight your skills and experience during your interview. Negotiate with confidence. Feel free to negotiate your salary offer. Remember that in addition to your salary, consider negotiating other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, vacation time, and professional development opportunities. It would be best to stay updated on industry trends impacting the demand for specific skills and expertise. Networking with industry professionals, mentors, and colleagues can provide valuable insights into salary trends, job openings, and potential career advancement opportunities. Of course, you must be willing to relocate. In some cases, being open to relocating to markets with higher demand for broadcast professionals can increase your salary potential.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Ms. Amanda Brown: I'd suggest developing a resilient mindset. Journalism can be tough, often influenced by networking and chance rather than just skill. Don't let criticism discourage you; the industry is vast. Keep pushing forward, and you'll discover your niche where you feel at home.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ms. Amanda Brown: When it comes to boosting your salary, there are several strategies to consider. Start by researching the company to understand their initial pay range. In the realm of TV news, having an agent can be beneficial in negotiating higher salaries, as they advocate on your behalf. If negotiating isn't your strong suit, having someone else handle it for you can be quite helpful. In online journalism, where the job is advertised can impact your pay. For instance, if you're working remotely from Texas but receiving California-level salaries, that's a smart way to potentially earn more.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Ms. Amanda Brown: Changes in how people interact have made strong interview skills even more critical. Initiating with light conversation before tackling tough questions can significantly influence the outcome. Mastering active listening and effectively communicating with diverse individuals while staying neutral are essential. In journalism, the emphasis is on presenting facts objectively, allowing the story to shine without personal bias.
Assistant Amy Eisman
Assistant ProfessorAmerican University
Arts, Entertainment, And Media Management
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Assistant Amy Eisman: One skill is easy: be flexible. The technology is changing at lightning speed. At the moment, it helps to be strong at data journalism and understanding emergent technology, such as AI. Topic areas of interest include climate coverage, health and education. It also helps to be a great team player; the speed of news means you rarely work alone. Overall, make sure you embrace the basics in the field: accuracy, fairness, transparency, independence and accountability. Be a solid writer and an even better editor and producer. No one can predict what is next for technology. Employers therefore will look for people who uphold the values of the past, are enthusiastic about the present and are curious about the future.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Assistant Amy Eisman: As others have said, the career track is a jungle gym, not a ladder. Acquire new skill sets wherever you go, then use them in the next job. And be great at whatever task you take on. Even if you are in an entry-level position, ace it, impress your colleagues, and be the person everyone wants on their team. The field is changing. That is not a secret. Many of the changes are overdue. There is more focus on trauma-informed reporting, for example, and on rethinking how we treat sources. There is more focus on bringing multiple voices into the fold and healthy debates about the role of identity. There is a deep focus, as there should be, on investigative journalism and on keeping citizens informed in a democracy. Be the best at your job. Don't burn bridges behind you.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Assistant Amy Eisman: Too many people are reluctant to ask or negotiate salary. An employer will not rescind an offer if you ask; many expect you will. To get the next job, you have to be great at the one you are in. It also is good to keep potential employers in your corner with occasional updates about your successes.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Joseph Valenzano III: Beginning a career must always come with the understanding that your first job is not your career, and it won’t pay you as much as you might think. Maximizing your potential in this scenario depends on many variables, some of which you cannot control. The ones you can control are the quality of your writing samples, having a record of published work in outlets (including the school paper), the clarity of your resume, and the strength of your interview. It also would be helpful to do homework on the market, the employer, and any data on comparisons you can collect. This can help you calibrate your expectations in advance of any offer. One don’t in this process: don’t expect to have a simple 9-5 job; going the extra mile when asked, and even when not asked, can help demonstrate your value to the employer and accelerate the rate of your growth in the industry as well.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Damian Radcliffe: Negotiate. Ask for more money. If that’s not forthcoming, can you negotiate a training budget, more PTO, flexible working hours or the ability to WFH a few days a week? Your negotiating position is often at its strongest when you start in a role and not enough people realize that.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Damian Radcliffe: I believe that a lot of core journalistic skills will remain important. That means having a strong news sense, being able to write well, the ability to produce content for multiple platforms and understanding ethics and media law.
Dr. Anthony Cuda Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Associate HeadUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro
Department of English
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Investigative Reporter job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Anthony Cuda Ph.D.: Obviously work that can be done remotely is at a premium, and writers in particular will benefit from this. Freelance writers have long worked remotely and on their own schedule. The shift now will involve science writers, technical writers, corporate communications professionals-anyone who knows how to put sentences together with clarity, elegance, and professionalism. So the ability to write well-the way that English majors are trained to-is key to capitalizing on the trends.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Anthony Cuda Ph.D.: I think graduates should always find ways to offer their services to professional organizations-nonprofits, small businesses, even larger firms. If graduates can get a foot in the door with a professional organization-paid or unpaid-and work to hone their writing and communicating skills, they'll be well positioned to pursue a variety of alternative career paths.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Dr. Anthony Cuda Ph.D.: Uncertainty abounds, but society is adapting and learning to live in new ways. You'll make yourself essential by proving your adaptability, your willingness to change gears and try new ways of working, but also by proving that you can be both nimble (quick to adapt and change) and rigorously attentive to detail. Attention to detail-the equivalent of rigorous, thorough proofreading in any profession-will set you apart from your peers and get you noticed.
Jack Lule Ph.D.
Lacocca ProfessorLehigh University
Department of Journalism and Communication
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Investigative Reporters?
Jack Lule Ph.D.: I think the pandemic will have enduring impacts on many aspects of life, from restaurants to public transportation to city living-to, not in the least, journalism. Many media organizations were already quite fragile because of the ongoing loss of advertisers and paying subscribers. The pandemic hastened their demise. Ironically, in some ways, that is good news for college graduates. The news organizations that remain will have truly endured the worst of times and will be looking to grow.
Another more subtle aspect of the pandemic for journalism careers is the renewed respect for local news. Social media and the big media corporations are great at covering national and international news. But, during the pandemic, where did people go for news on how the virus was affecting their own schools, towns, restaurants, hospitals, sports? The local news media. I think the pandemic will actually help strengthen local news media and provide really interesting jobs.
What type of skills will young Investigative Reporters need?
Jack Lule Ph.D.: I always laugh when alumni ask what classes we are teaching students now. I tell them: We have to teach today's students everything we taught you-how to report, write and edit, how to fact check and make deadlines, how to tape audio, shoot photographs and make videos. And each year, we have to add more! We have added classes in data, data visualization, multimedia, and social media. And we introduce our students to artificial intelligence. They will need all of that to get started. But, paradoxically, as they progress in their careers, they will be asked to develop a specialty and be really good at one thing.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Investigative Reporters?
David Faldet: Their senior year is going to be memorable: a year of trials and challenges and disappointments that will set them apart from people who came before them. The virtual education and networked learning required for the eighteen months leading up to their graduation will also give them good credentials as they enter the work-from-home or connect-remotely environment of business today.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Investigative Reporter job market given the pandemic?
Aaron Quinn Ph.D.: In my limited observations, the pandemic has changed journalism workflow from being office-based to having employees working from home and other locations that are suitable to getting their jobs done. It has certainly made experienced journalists more valuable than usual because they have familiarity with protocol and professional standards. The pandemic has also led to staff reductions and/or furloughs, largely because the slim advertising offerings have become even more scarce as small businesses who advertise in local and regional publications struggle to stay open.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aaron Quinn Ph.D.: I suspect a university graduate who takes a gap year prior to something like full-time journalism employment won't exactly be frowned upon under the circumstances. Almost everyone in the industry is struggling to stay afloat in one context or another. That said, this has always been a competitive industry, so future candidates who have maintained an effort to practice some journalism to remain sharp will have an advantage over those who drop it for a year. I've rarely known a news leader who doesn't appreciate persistent, enterprising new journalists. Take six to ten hours a week during most weeks to pursue a story or two in your locality as an independent journalist, and attempt to sell it to a local news organization. Even if they don't buy or publish it, you'll get someone's attention and you'll remain fluent in the practice of the craft. You'll probably open some doors for future employment as well. I can't stress that enough.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Aaron Quinn Ph.D.: Practice, practice, practice. Seek feedback from experienced practitioners, and don't let your ego stunt your growth. I would do the exact same thing if I went back to working in a newsroom again, and this is something that as a department we seek out from our advisory board of professionals. We craft our practice-based curriculum in large part based on feedback from professionals, even if it sometimes runs contrary to our intuitions and biases.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Rachel Estabrook: For a graduate beginning their career, I'd recommend a few things. Most importantly, be hungry. Go doggedly after whatever stories most interest you. Take time to build sources, by taking people out to coffee (when that's safe to do) and checking in with them regularly to ask what's up in their world. Follow your interests, even if they lead somewhere that traditional journalism outlets haven't always gone; given the summer of protests and focus on racial equity, traditional outlets are hungrier than ever for stories they haven't historically told. Be humble while also being confident; know that you have a lot to offer and your approach is valuable, but that you also have a lot to learn.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Investigative Reporter job market given the pandemic?
Rachel Estabrook: In my opinion, in terms of journalism jobs, the need for these jobs is only getting bigger in the pandemic. But the finances of almost every news outlet have suffered. Even in nonprofit media, sponsorships have declined as businesses don't have events to promote, for example. So hiring may be a bit more stagnant than it otherwise would have been. Unfortunately, you're also seeing journalists furloughed and even let go sometimes when outlets are forced to contract given the economic pressures.
Joe Moore Ph.D.
Professor of Communication Program Coordinator, Digital Media ProductionUniversity of Central Missouri
Department of Communication
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Joe Moore Ph.D.: Know your worth. This is a crucial field, perhaps now more than ever. We desperately need well trained, energetic journalists. Newspapers, radio stations, television stations, online outlets--if they want to be successful--need journalists who understand the need to be accurate, fair and objective. If you have the skills and the experience and you are bringing that to the table, demand what you are worth. And then deliver!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Investigative Reporter job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Ronald Sitton Ph.D.: Although the pandemic definitely presents a challenge to incoming journalists, the bigger challenge may be the news deserts popping up throughout the country. Fewer outlets mean fewer traditional opportunities. Those entering the industry will not only be competing with other graduates, but also with veteran journalists now seeking employment. The pandemic adds another layer: many interviews will be conducted over the internet instead of in-person. Those who aren't professional in these interviews face additional hiring challenges, e.g., nobody's going to hire someone who interviews from their bed in pajamas.
Yet those who can be comfortable and professional in an internet interview will show potential employers that they can be expected to conduct themselves professionally in a setting that's becoming increasingly common. The pandemic continues to require journalists to innovate when obtaining information. For example, instead of being able to visit a source in their professional setting, now they will often see the source work from home. Noticing how the source chooses to present themselves in that setting will provide details for stories the general public might not otherwise see. Will their animals or children walk in and out during the interview? How does the source react to interruptions? As a result, journalists have an opportunity to make their sources more "human" for the audience.
Although much has gone online, it will still be necessary for broadcast journalists to gather B-roll and natural sound for their work. It will still be necessary for print and online journalists to include photography with their written work. Journalism isn't a job for people who want to stay home during the pandemic.
What skills stand out on Investigative Reporter resumes?
Dr. Ronald Sitton Ph.D.: Writing will always be an important skill. Even if someone prefers to be a broadcast journalist or photojournalist, most news outlets keep an internet presence, which requires great writing such that the public can find out additional information unavailable through a photograph or in the time constraints of a broadcast medium. Whether graduates prefer to remain in the industry or seek employment elsewhere, every employer wants to hire someone who can willingly communicate their ideas precisely and concisely.
Reporting skills will also remain important as employers need employees who understand how to properly research and vet information prior to publication. They must know how and when to ask the difficult questions that provide insights into contentious issues. Prior to beginning work, reporters must pitch their ideas, which is a skill that also is useful outside of the industry.
With the continual movement of publications to online outlets, knowledge of content management systems (e.g., WordPress) becomes even more important than it previously was. Knowledge of standard industry software including Photoshop and InDesign is almost mandatory, while video editing skills will stand out even more due to the amount of video now gathered through internet interviews. Graduates entering the field with a multiplatform skill set will possess skills a lot of veteran journalists are still learning.
It's expected that journalists understand the necessity of using critical thinking, being dependable, making deadlines, and adapting to change. Showing how they've previously done this rather than just telling that they can will stand out to employers.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Investigative Reporters to find work opportunities?
Dr. Ronald Sitton Ph.D.: With corporate media continuing to downsize and local media disappearing, some may find it difficult to suggest ANY good places to find work. However, opportunities now exist that haven't existed in a century. Where once one had to own a press in order to publish, now the internet provides a press to almost anyone. This will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to make their own jobs covering a niche, such as focusing on city government in cities and towns that no longer have a traditional outlet. The idea, "Build it and they will come", actually works here - i.e., if journalists can professionally and adequately cover traditional news where no coverage exists anymore, citizens will notice and attend to the outlet to stay informed on local occurrences. We've seen this in a few different places in Arkansas where entrepreneurs saw a need and started their own outlet; the advertisers soon followed as the outlets provided the only area for miles around for their target audience of local customers.
Steve Rottinghaus
Career and outreach coordinatorThe University of Kansas
William Allen White School of Journalism
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Steve Rottinghaus: A journalist’s work varies daily because of the wide range of stories they tell. Journalists research, interview sources, gather information, edit and produce content on various media platforms on tight deadlines throughout the day.
What Investigative Reporter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Steve Rottinghaus: It is important for a journalist to provide valuable information on current events to community members and hold public officials accountable. News consumption is in high demand.
What will help Investigative Reporters increase their earning potential?
Steve Rottinghaus: Journalists like creating content that matters to a community and helping community members make decisions based on facts. They enjoy meeting different people and telling their stories. In a 24/7 news cycle, the time commitment can become overwhelming. Working nights, weekends, and holidays are common, especially in smaller news organizations.
What type of skills will young Investigative Reporters need?
Dr. Christina Fisanick: College graduates in 2021 and beyond, need all of the skills that English programs have to offer: critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, and flexibility. New hires need to be able to adapt to workplace changes quickly and with aplomb, which requires critical thinking and problem solving and the ability to communicate those solutions to a diverse audience clearly and effectively. Those skills are refined and practiced regularly in English programs.
What general advice would you give to an Investigative Reporter?
Allison Harl Ph.D.: Develop as many multimedia skills as possible. Writing in the 21st century is about visual rhetoric as well as just words on a page.