Description
Digital Investigative Journalist (Data & Public Records)
Circle City Broadcasting (WISH/WRTV/WNDY) in Indianapolis, IN has an immediate opening for a full-time Digital Investigative Journalist (Data & Public Records) to join our newsroom.
We’re looking for a driven, detail-oriented journalist with a strong investigative mindset, someone who knows how to dig through court documents, public records, and datasets to uncover meaningful stories. This role is ideal for a journalist with newspaper-style reporting experience who thrives on finding the “why” behind the headlines.
This position supports both digital and on-air investigators by providing deep research, verified data, and document-driven insights that strengthen storytelling across platforms.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Identify and develop story ideas through deep research, data analysis, and document review.
Acquire information through public records requests, court filings, government databases, and open-source reporting.
Review and analyze large volumes of documents to uncover trends, inconsistencies, and potential investigations.
Conduct background research on individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Work closely with digital and on-air journalists to support investigative and enterprise stories.
Assist in breaking news by quickly locating, verifying, and contextualizing relevant records.
Build and maintain datasets to support ongoing reporting.
Fact-check claims, statistics, and reporting for accuracy and credibility.
Clearly document sources, methodology, and findings.
Use digital tools and AI-assisted research methods to enhance reporting efficiency.
Collaborate with newsroom staff to translate findings into clear, compelling content across platforms.
Other duties as assigned based on newsroom needs.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills/experience
Experience in journalism, investigative reporting, or data journalism.
Background in newspaper or long-form reporting is strongly preferred.
Proven ability to work with public records, court documents, and government data.
Strong research, verification, and organizational skills.
Ability to analyze complex information and identify meaningful patterns.
Proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets); experience with SQL, Python, or similar tools is a plus.
Familiarity with FOIA/public records request processes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom.
Experience working in a TV or digital newsroom is a plus.
Experience supporting investigative or enterprise reporting projects.
Familiarity with data visualization tools (Tableau, Flourish, etc.).
Experience using AI tools to assist with research and analysis.
Knowledge of court systems, legal documents, and regulatory filings.
Interested applicants should submit a resume and samples of investigative or data-driven work to jobs@circlecitybroadcasting.com and include “Digital Investigative Journalist (Data & Public Records)” in the subject line.
For more information about WRTV, WISH-TV & Circulus Digital Media, please visit www.wishtv.com, www.wrtv.com and www.CirculusDigital.com.
WISH-TV, WRTV and Circulus Digital Media are locally owned and operated by Circle City Broadcasting.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills/experience
Experience in journalism, investigative reporting, or data journalism.
Background in newspaper or long-form reporting is strongly preferred.
Proven ability to work with public records, court documents, and government data.
Strong research, verification, and organizational skills.
Ability to analyze complex information and identify meaningful patterns.
Proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets); experience with SQL, Python, or similar tools is a plus.
Familiarity with FOIA/public records request processes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom.
Experience working in a TV or digital newsroom is a plus.
Experience supporting investigative or enterprise reporting projects.
Familiarity with data visualization tools (Tableau, Flourish, etc.).
Experience using AI tools to assist with research and analysis.
Knowledge of court systems, legal documents, and regulatory filings.
