SOLUTION JOURNALIST - WIS-TV Job at NAB Leadership Foundation in Columbia

Job Summary
A Solutions Journalist at WIS joins a market-leading, award-winning newsroom to research, develop, and produce enterprise reporting that doesn't stop at identifying what's broken. This role is for an investigative‑minded storyteller who understands evolving audience demand for journalism that holds power accountable while also rigorously examining responses—what's being tried, what's working (or not), for whom, and why.

Solutions Journalism Focus
Solutions journalism is not “good news.” It is tough, evidence‑based reporting about responses to problems, grounded in:

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)

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an aggressive self‑starter with strong public records skills, a deep commitment to fairness and verification, and the ability to produce compelling, high‑impact stories across broadcast and digital platforms.

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 a 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)

Employment Policies
WIS‑TV/Gray Media is a drug‑free company.

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, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with Gray's employees' ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.

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