Investigative Reporter
Job description
About the role
The role centers on in-depth investigative and enterprise reporting for a local news audience in the Saint Louis market. The position advances accountability journalism by producing impactful stories that cut across broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms to reach viewers wherever they are. The work targets public understanding and drives engagement with complex issues that matter to the community. The hire owns the full arc of investigative projects from initial tip and pitch through reporting, writing, and production for multi-platform delivery. You will build and leverage a robust network of sources and documents to sustain rigorous, public-service oriented coverage over time. The role requires synthesizing complex information into clear narratives that help audiences grasp the stakes and take informed action. Success is measured by the depth of the reporting, the clarity of the storytelling, and the concrete impact the work has on viewers and institutions. You will collaborate closely with editors, producers, and colleagues across TEGNA to ensure the work is timely, accurate, and aligned with the standards of the newsroom.
Key facts
What you'll do
Shape investigative and enterprise stories from initial pitch through research, reporting, and production for broadcast and digital platforms.
Develop and maintain a deep network of sources and documents in the coverage area to support ongoing public accountability reporting.
Use open records tools, PACER, LexisNexis, and public databases to systematically gather, verify, and analyze information critical to complex stories.
Break down complicated topics and systems into clear, accessible narratives that help audiences understand the real-world implications of the findings.
Write and present stories in a clear, precise style that adapts effectively to multiple platforms, audience expectations, and editorial standards.
Leverage modern tools, including artificial intelligence where appropriate, to enhance story accuracy, organization, and efficiency without compromising ethical standards.
Produce visual content by shooting and editing video and multimedia elements using the latest gear and tools to strengthen storytelling and audience engagement.
Cover breaking news and urgent developments as they arise, delivering timely, accurate information to keep audiences informed during critical moments.
Demonstrate a digital-first mindset by designing stories and assets that perform well on social platforms, meet audience engagement metrics, and support community trust.
Build and sustain relationships with viewers, officials, and experts to ensure reporting is relevant, thorough, and responsive to community needs.
Maintain strong organization and time management to handle multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and evolving news cycles without sacrificing quality.
Work collaboratively with editors, producers, photographers, and other journalists to refine story ideas and elevate the final product across all channels.
Uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and transparency in every story, ensuring proper attribution and context for audiences.
Identify underreported angles and systemic issues through persistent inquiry, data review, and community engagement to drive impactful investigative work.
Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is required.
Five to seven or more years of investigative journalism experience is preferred for this role.
Experience with open records tools, PACER, LexisNexis, and public databases is required.
The ability to make complicated topics understandable is essential for clear public communication.
A clear writing style adapts effectively to multiple platforms and audience expectations.
Modern tools, including artificial intelligence, are used to enhance stories and improve accuracy.
A digital-first mindset demonstrates understanding of social platforms and audience engagement strategies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills support collaboration and source development.
Composure under pressure is maintained, especially during breaking news and urgent situations.
Strong organizational and time management skills are necessary to handle multiple priorities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Commitment to accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting standards is non-negotiable for this role.
Willingness to travel within the KSDK-TV Saint Louis coverage area as needed for reporting.
Ability to pass standard background checks and meet TEGNA employment requirements.
Nice to have
A strong investigative track record produces stories that create real impact in communities.
Practical notes
This position is based at KSDK-TV Saint Louis within a TEGNA environment that values diverse backgrounds and equal opportunity. All employees and eligible family members receive defined benefits, paid time off, and holiday support where applicable. Collective bargaining agreements may alter benefits for some roles. Typical interview steps
Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds. Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions. Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.
Career growth
Careers in this field grow through a mix of experience, responsibility, and demonstrated results. Early years build skills; later years build ownership. Many professionals switch focus areas or companies to keep growing. Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and reputation. Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure others can see the outcomes.
Questions to ask
Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.