Investigative Producer

Job Description

Hearst Television is seeking an aggressive, creative, talented investigative producer to join its expanding National Investigative Unit based at the Hearst Washington Bureau. The National Investigative Unit develops original, unique, enterprise in-depth content that brings national news of relevance to our local markets. Since 2018, the Unit has broken stories about the FBI, DNI, FAA, FDA, and on many topics ranging from election security to drone defense to combating hate crimes, vaping, and more. The Unit is part of the Washington Bureau, which is responsible for covering breaking news, politics, health, and special projects for Hearst stations, as well as major event coverage such as political conventions and election coverage, and long-form investigative journalism that delivers national impact.

Candidates for this investigative producer position should, above all, be: expert at source development, knowing how to burrow deep into a story to find the unique angles; adept and skilled storyteller who can craft and develop stories with the viewer, listener, and reader in mind; tech savvy and up-to-date on the most modern aspects of our medium; dogged in pursuit of the truth, with a desire to hold the powerful to account; and in possession of an insatiable curiosity. Excellent source-development and beat skills, exceptional time-management abilities, effective communication style, pinpoint organization, and ethical behavior with integrity are critical. This is not an entry level position.

Job Responsibilities:
• Develop sources on specific topics to assist in gathering exclusive stories of national significance
• Visual storyteller committed to producing, reporting, planning, and telling compelling stories for our viewers, listeners, and readers in states across the country. Write scripts and digital content as needed.
• Produce national-level investigative journalism, with an emphasis on conceiving of unique, visual content to illustrate information, data, and documents in a creative and engaging way. Data journalism experience is a plus.
• Coordinating interviews, shoot schedules, and crews as needed for storytelling and reporting opportunities.
• Work to ensure the best content and facts are gathered, while taking the initiative to contribute editorially, in story pitch meetings and the script drafting process.
• Strong knowledge of, and adherence to, journalism ethics and laws governing news gathering.
• Work seamlessly with investigative correspondent, photographers, editors, producers, design teams, Legal, and digital content teams to bring enterprise, unique, exclusive and deep-dive stories to life for maximum impact. Excellent teamwork required.

Experience Requirements:
• Must have computer and software experience with modern journalistic tools.
• Previous newsroom experience, at a national level strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build sources and gain their trust.
• Related military experience will be considered.

Qualifications Requirements:
• Can easily carry up to 50 pounds of equipment
• Can work in all weather conditions
• Can operate large vehicles, must have a valid driver's license and a near-perfect driving record
• Exceptional ability to operate modern journalism reporting tools
• Can organize and prioritize multiple projects at once
• Must be a self-starter - someone who doesn't wait to be told what to do and can work well with others.
• Ability to work under pressure, making quick decisions

Education:
• College degree in broadcast journalism, broadcast news, or related field preferred
• Equivalent military training from Defense Information School (DINFOS) and associated experience will be considered.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-g638k8-3-137-185-180-42 in your application.