What are the responsibilities and job description for the Digital Investigative Journalist (Data & Public Records) position at WISH-TV?
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 apply by sending their resume to jobs@circlecitybroadcasting.com. Please
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