Pentagon Reporter – Washington, D.C. Bureau

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

Based in Washington, D.C., this position covers one of the most important beats in American journalism: the Department of Defense and the decisions that shape national security and military policy. Reporting from the Pentagon places you at the center of global defense policy, military strategy, and breaking developments that impact communities across the United States.

Lilly Broadcasting is expanding its Washington coverage and is seeking a Pentagon Reporter who can deliver authoritative reporting on the Department of Defense, national security and military policy affecting our viewers nationwide.

MUST WATCH

Our stations serve communities with strong military ties, including active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard units, and defense industry workers. This role requires a journalist who understands how national defense decisions affect local communities and can clearly explain why those decisions matter.

Lilly Broadcasting operates a group of locally focused television stations across the United States and U.S. territories. Our Washington Bureau supports coverage for markets including Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Puerto Rico, Guam and beyond.

The ideal candidate will have:

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 include:

Pentagon and Defense Coverage

Cover daily developments at the Pentagon and across the Department of Defense. Track military policy, defense strategy, and national security developments affecting the United States and its allies.

Briefings and Source Development

Attend Pentagon briefings and cultivate strong source relationships within defense, military, and national security circles to produce informed and original reporting.

Breaking News and Live Coverage

Deliver live reports and breaking news coverage for multiple Lilly Broadcasting markets during major developments in defense and national security.

Produce in-depth stories explaining defense policy, military readiness, geopolitical developments, and the broader impact of defense decisions.

Local Impact Reporting

Report on how federal defense decisions affect local bases, National Guard units, veterans, and military families in the communities served by Lilly Broadcasting stations.

Multi-Platform Journalism

Create content for broadcast, digital, and social platforms to keep audiences informed throughout the day.

Collaboration with Local Newsrooms

Work closely with newsrooms across the Lilly Broadcasting group to localize national defense stories and provide relevant reporting for individual markets.

Reporting from Washington offers a unique opportunity to explain complex national security issues to audiences who are directly connected to the military and defense industries. The Pentagon Reporter plays a critical role in helping viewers understand the decisions that shape the nation’s defense and global security.

We are looking for a journalist who takes pride in accurate reporting, strong storytelling, and serving the public with clear information during critical moments.

Job Type: Full-time

401(k)

Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Must be willing to undergo background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)