News Reporter

Job Description

FOX Chicago is looking for a dynamic storyteller who lives at the intersection of news, culture, weather, and community. We are reimagining local journalism and moving beyond scripted, formulaic news coverage. We want someone who can spark meaningful conversations, connect with audiences authentically, and bring curiosity, insight, and personality to every story.

In this role, you will help viewers understand what is happening across Chicagoland and around the country—not just by delivering information, but by providing context, asking smart questions, and creating opportunities for engagement. You should be naturally curious, open-minded, and eager to explore the stories, trends, and issues shaping our communities.

We are building content for broadcast, streaming, social media, podcasts, and platforms still emerging. The ideal candidate embraces experimentation, thrives in a fast-changing media environment, and is energized by finding new ways to reach audiences. We value creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks, learn quickly, and continuously improve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Host live and recorded programming from the studio and occasionally from the field.
• Lead engaging conversations that help audiences understand the stories shaping Chicagoland and the nation.
• Report on breaking news, major events, and compelling local stories across multiple platforms.
• Conduct thoughtful interviews with newsmakers, community leaders, and everyday people.
• Develop original story ideas driven by curiosity, audience interests, and cultural relevance.
• Create compelling content for broadcast, streaming, social media, and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with producers, reporters, meteorologists, and digital teams to develop innovative storytelling approaches.
• Identify emerging trends, cultural conversations, and audience interests that can drive impactful coverage.
• Contribute to podcasts and other long-form storytelling initiatives as opportunities arise.
• Represent FOX Chicago in the community and help strengthen audience engagement across platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of journalism, reporting, anchoring, hosting, or related storytelling experience.
• Exceptional communication, interviewing, and live presentation skills.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to explain complex topics in a clear, engaging manner.
• Proven ability to generate original story ideas and develop compelling content.
• Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Strong understanding of digital, streaming, and social media platforms.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and breaking news situations as required.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across newsroom teams.
• Ability to discuss breaking news, weather, traffic, politics, and major events in a conversational, informative, and audience-focused manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience hosting live television, streaming programs, podcasts, or other audience-facing content.
• Knowledge of the Chicago market, local issues, and community interests.
• Experience creating digital-first and social media content that drives audience engagement.
• Degree in Meteorology or experience communicating weather and climate-related stories.

If you're the kind of journalist who asks one more question, follows your curiosity, connects naturally with people, and believes local journalism can be both informative and compelling, we'd love to hear from you.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.

Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $60.00-72.00 per hour. This role is also eligible for various benefits, including medical/dental/vision, insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

View more detail about FOX Benefits.