Digital Investigative Journalist (Data & Public Records)

WRTV; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Circle City Broadcasting in Indianapolis is seeking a Digital Investigative Journalist (Data & Public Records) to join our newsroom. You will dig through court filings, government data, and open records to uncover stories behind the headlines and support digital and on-air investigators with deep research and verified data.

This role rewards curiosity, meticulous verification, and the ability to translate complex findings into clear, compelling content across platforms.

Qualifications

• Experience in journalism, investigative reporting, or data journalism.
• Newspaper-style reporting background preferred.
• Proven ability to work with public records, court documents, and government data.
• Strong research, verification, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets); familiarity with SQL, Python is a plus.
• Knowledge of FOIA/public records request processes.

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 and investigations.
• Work with digital and on-air journalists to support investigative and enterprise stories.
• Build and maintain datasets to support ongoing reporting.
• Clearly document sources, methodology, and findings.

Skills

Investigative journalism

Data journalism

Public records research

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication skills

Tools

Excel/Google Sheets

SQL

Python

Tableau

AI tools

Job 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.

• 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.

WISH-TV, WRTV and Circulus Digital Media are locally owned and operated by Circle City Broadcasting.