What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legislative reporter position at The Daily Memphian?
The Daily Memphian is looking for a Nashville-based contract writer to report on the upcoming 2026 Tennessee legislative session.
The optimal candidate has a background in government or political journalism and can easily recognize important developments as they unfold around them, specifically as those legislative developments relate to the City of Memphis and its citizens. They should understand deadlines, be impartial and be able to write quickly and clearly. Knowledge of AP style is a huge plus.
They should also be familiar with Shelby County’s delegation and be able to call on those elected officials to further develop stories.
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The contract reporter would be expected to file two to three stories each week while lawmakers are in session. Pay will be commensurate with experience.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and three clips to mcashiola@dailymemphian.com and jdonahoe@dailymemphian.com.
Who we are:
The Daily Memphian is one of the largest non-profit local newsrooms in America, with about 40 full-time journalists and 20 regular contributors. We are a locally led, locally owned, fully independent online news site founded in 2018 and focused on all aspects of the Memphis area, from local government and sports to food, arts & culture, business, education, neighborhoods and much more.
For more about The Daily Memphian:
- “One of the best local news sites in the country.” – Politico
- “Driving a shift in the digital media business.” – The New York Times
- “In Memphis, a lab experiment for local news.” – The Atlantic
- “Ghost papers and news deserts: Will America ever get its local news back?” – The Washington Post
- “The Daily Memphian’s model demands attention.” – NiemanLab at Harvard
- “Digital startups with strong financial backing are hitting key targets” – The Poynter Institute
- “Reviving Local Media: The innovations helping publishers thrive in the age of digital” – Forbes
- “Startups are pushing back against the rise of ‘news deserts’ and the pitfalls facing local journalism” – CNN: Reliable Sources Podcast