Investigative Reporter - Crime Junkie

This is a Full Time Job

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

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 DoInvestigative Reporting
• 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 LikeStorytelling
• 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

Collaboration
• 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