Pentagon & National Security Reporter

WENY News; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. is seeking a Pentagon Reporter to deliver authoritative coverage of the Department of Defense, national security, and military policy for a national audience.

You will report from the Pentagon, produce live and in-depth stories, and collaborate with multiple Lilly stations to localize national defense news. Ideal candidates combine strong investigative instincts with clarity, can break complex policy into accessible explanations, and develop trusted sources

Qualifications

• Strong reporting and storytelling skills with the ability to simplify complex national security issues.
• Experience covering government, politics, or military affairs preferred.
• A confident live presence for breaking news and scheduled reports.
• Strong writing, shooting, and editing skills.
• The ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-moving news environment.
• The ability to develop sources and generate original story ideas.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cover daily developments at the Pentagon and across the Department of Defense.
• Attend Pentagon briefings and cultivate strong source relationships.
• Deliver live reports and breaking news coverage for multiple Lilly Broadcasting markets.
• Produce in-depth stories explaining defense policy, military readiness, geopolitical developments, and broader impact of defense decisions.
• Report on how federal defense decisions affect local bases, National Guard units, veterans, and military families.
• Create content for broadcast, digital, and social platforms.
• Collaborate with newsrooms across Lilly Broadcasting to localize national defense stories.

Skills

Strong reporting

Storytelling

Live reporting

Writing/editing

Source development

Quick, accurate work

National defense knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field

Job description

Lilly Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. is seeking a Pentagon Reporter to deliver authoritative coverage of the Department of Defense, national security, and military policy for a national audience.

You will report from the Pentagon, produce live and in-depth stories, and collaborate with multiple Lilly stations to localize national defense news. Ideal candidates combine strong investigative instincts with clarity, can break complex policy into accessible explanations, and develop trusted sources