SOLUTIONS JOURNALIST - WIS-TV

Gray Media; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Gray Media is seeking a Solutions Journalist at WIS-TV in Columbia, SC. The role involves researching and producing enterprise reporting that holds power accountable while delivering accurate storytelling.

Qualified candidates will have 3–5 years of relevant experience and skills in investigative journalism, multiplatform video production, and data literacy. Join us in our award-winning newsroom to make a meaningful impact.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in investigative, enterprise, or accountability reporting.
• Refined ability to write for both broadcast and digital presentations.
• Understanding of and adherence to AP Style for digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Pitch, report, and produce enterprise/solutions stories with clear evidence.
• Shoot, write, edit, and publish multiplatform video with high standards.
• Develop sources and leads that reveal exclusive information.

Skills

Investigative reporting

Multiplatform video production

Data literacy

Writing for broadcast & digital

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Tools

Field camera operation

Editing software

Lighting equipment

Job description

About Gray Media

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top‑rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full‑power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of U.S. television households. Our portfolio includes 80 markets where we own the top‑rated station and 100 markets where we own the first or second highest‑rated station in average all‑day ratings, all measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo affiliate group with 47 markets, Gray Digital Media, a full‑service digital agency, and additional media properties including video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WIS-TV

WIS is the #1 local media organization in the capital city market of Columbia, South Carolina. It is the market’s top‑rated broadcast television station, a digital publisher reaching tens of millions of users each year, and the home of GDM Columbia, a full‑service in‑house digital advertising agency. WIS is also the hub for Palmetto Sports & Entertainment, a statewide broadcast sports network, and an affiliate of Telemundo SC. Serving South Carolina’s Midlands since 1953, WIS offers the opportunity to join an award‑winning culture for a popular brand built upon decades of market leadership.

Job Summary

A Solutions Journalist at WIS joins a market‑leading newsroom to research, develop, and produce enterprise reporting that goes beyond identifying problems. The role is for an investigative‑minded storyteller who understands the evolving audience demand for journalism that holds power accountable while rigorously examining responses—what’s being tried, what’s working (or not), for whom, and why.

Evidence and Constraints

• Evidence of effectiveness (data, results, credible evaluation)
• Insight (what can be learned and why it matters here)
• Limitations (tradeoffs, gaps, risks, what hasn’t worked, who’s left out)

Duties / Responsibilities

• Pitch, report, and produce enterprise/solutions stories that examine both the problem and credible responses, with clear evidence and limitations
• Shoot, write, edit, and publish multiplatform video (broadcast + digital) with high standards of verification and transparency
• Plan and execute short- and long-term projects on a shared enterprise calendar with newsroom stakeholders
• Use public records (FOIA), databases, documents, and data to uncover accountability and measure outcomes
• Develop sources and leads that reveal exclusive information and deepen reporting over time
• Interrogate claims made by institutions and organizations promoting “solutions,” testing what’s true and what’s overstated
• Center the audience with clear “why it matters” framing and practical context, without advocacy or cheerleading
• Present information fairly and accurately, including right‑of‑reply and strong attribution
• Collaborate closely with News leadership, digital, and producers to maximize reach, clarity, and follow‑through reporting
• Build and maintain reporting systems (trackers, databases, timelines) to ensure stories evolve beyond a single hit
• Create strong digital components (explainers, FAQs, document viewers, short‑form video, follow‑ups) that extend impact and engagement

Qualifications / Requirements

• 3–5 years’ experience in investigative, enterprise, or accountability reporting (solutions journalism experience is a plus)
• Refined ability to write for both broadcast & digital presentation
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field
• Understanding of and adherence to AP Style for digital platforms and broadcasting writing for TV
• Ability to operate a field camera, editing, and lighting equipment
• Ability to lift/carry equipment ranging from 35–50 lbs
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Represent WIS professionally/responsibly in the community and newsroom, online and in person
• Must have the desire to win, reflect critically on your work, and apply feedback
• Demonstrated ability to report with rigor on evidence, impact, and limitations (data literacy and document reporting preferred)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.