Investigative Reporter, Crime Junkie

Podcast Management; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

401(k) with employer match

Generous paid time off

Team events

Job summary

Audiochuck in Indianapolis is seeking an experienced investigative journalist to join the Crime Junkie team as an Investigative Reporter. You will develop and deliver in-depth stories, conduct first-person interviews, and write long-form narratives that meet high journalistic standards.

You will research using public records, manage FOIA requests, collaborate with legal and editorial teams, and guide stories from research through production for audio and video platforms.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of investigative journalism or documentary storytelling.
• Strong writing and narrative development skills.
• Experience working with legal review processes and sensitive subject matter.
• Excellent research skills, including familiarity with public records and FOIA.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Report original true-crime stories that inform, engage, and drive impact.
• Produce long-form, magazine-style stories for audio and video platforms.
• Conduct research using public records, court documents, and reputable sources.
• Submit and manage FOIA requests and review case documentation.
• Stay current on public corruption, government investigations, and legal developments.

Skills

Investigative journalism

Storytelling

Writing & editing

FOIA knowledge

Public records research

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Indianapolis, IN, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1111

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $120,000.00 Annually

This is a full-time position located in Indianapolis, Indiana; New York, New York; or remote based on experience.

About Us

Audiochuck is a fast-growing, dynamic company driven by our mission to tell the right stories, in the right ways, for the right reasons. Our team is made up of immensely passionate people who love what we do and don’t stop until we’re proud. Excellence is required at Audiochuck. We have a responsibility and privilege to honor the voices of those whose stories we tell.

We approach our content with empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Advocacy is an essential part of the Audiochuck culture as we strive to positively impact victims and their families through the use of our time, money, and resources.

Committed to developing our people and fostering a long-term team of talented media professionals, we are seeking an experienced investigative journalist to join the Crime Junkie team.

About the Investigative Reporter

The Investigative Reporter plays a critical role in developing and delivering in-depth stories for Audiochuck's flagship true-crime show, Crime Junkie. This position requires strong investigative instincts, the ability to uncover new information, and the discipline to produce fact-driven, emotionally resonant narrative storytelling.

The role involves conducting thorough research, leading first-person interviews, synthesizing complex material, and writing long-form investigative narratives that uphold the highest standards of journalism while aligning with Audiochuck's commitment to ethical and impactful storytelling.

What You'll Do

• Report original true-crime stories that inform, engage, and drive meaningful impact
• Work as part of a reporting team to investigate and produce long-form, magazine-style stories for audio and video platforms
• Conduct research using public records, court documents, investigative files, and reputable media sources
• Submit and manage FOIA requests and conduct detailed reviews of case documentation
• Stay current on public corruption, government investigations, and legal developments relevant to assigned stories

Interviews & Source Development

• Conduct sensitive interviews and build trusted relationships with victims, families, eyewitnesses, experts, and law enforcement
• Approach reporting with trauma-informed and ethical practices
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism throughout the reporting process

Writing & Story Development

• Write and refine long-form narrative scripts that are factually accurate and compelling
• Transform complex investigations into clearly structured, audience-driven stories
• Draft blog posts to accompany podcast episodes on the Crime Junkie website
• Review scripts for pronunciation, context accuracy, and clarity

Legal & Editorial Collaboration

• Work closely with legal and editorial leadership to ensure compliance with media law and risk mitigation
• Partner with episode producers, social producers, and audio and video teams to shape multi-platform content
• Review video edits for on-screen text and visual accuracy
• Flag potential legal, editorial, or sourcing concerns early

Workflow & Communication

• Manage multiple stories across different stages of research, reporting, and production
• Meet established deadlines for reporting, scripting, and production milestones
• Develop and pitch original story ideas
• Engage in consistent communication with show leadership and hosts
• Ensure social and episode producers are informed of reporting developments from the outset

What Success Looks Like

Storytelling

Investigations are transformed into compelling, well-structured narratives

Scripts engage audiences while maintaining clarity and integrity

Accuracy

All reporting is factual, contextualized, and responsibly framed

Pronunciations, names, and characterizations are verified

Commitments made to sources during reporting are honored

Execution

Deadlines are consistently met

Multiple stories are effectively managed in parallel

Potential challenges are surfaced early and addressed proactively

Strong partnerships are built across reporting, production, legal, and editorial teams

Communication is clear, proactive, and solutions-oriented

What You'll Bring to the Table

• 5+ years of experience in investigative journalism, reporting, or documentary storytelling
• Demonstrated experience uncovering original information and producing long-form narrative reporting
• Strong writing and narrative development skills
• Experience working with legal review processes and sensitive subject matter
• Excellent research skills, including familiarity with public records and FOIA processes
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong editorial judgment and ethical reporting standards

Preferred

• Experience in true crime, investigative audio, or documentary media
• Experience working in a multimedia newsroom environment
• Familiarity with podcast production workflows

What Audiochuck Will Bring to the Table

• Commitment to intentional leadership development
• Dedication to company culture and promoting mental health
• A collaborative and passionate team aligned around advocacy and impact
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful investigative storytelling
• Competitive base salary and benefits package
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off
• Team events and company-sponsored activities