WTVD: I-Team Researcher (Part-time)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10131406 Location Durham, North Carolina, United States Business ABC Owned TV Stations Date posted Oct. 13, 2025Job Summary:
Department/Group Overview:
Disney Entertainment’s eight-owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. The only local news station with three downtown newsrooms (Raleigh/Fayetteville/Durham), ABC11 Eyewitness News provides 45.5 hours of local news every week, serving more than 1 million households in a 23-county area in North Carolina and Virginia. Eyewitness News also provides news, weather and sports information 24 hours a day on ABC11.com, the ABC11 mobile news app and the new connected TV app.
The I-Team Researcher will provide critical investigative support to ABC11’s award-winning I-Team unit. This role enables the investigative team to handle complex, sensitive, and high stakes reporting with accuracy, speed, and compliance. By managing public records requests, organizing data, assisting with legal review, and tracking deadlines, the researcher ensures reporters and editors can focus on storytelling that informs and protects the public.
Job Summary:
If the employee has prior investigative experience, they will have some decision-making authority. The employee will assist with legal review supporting the lead while the stories are getting on air. They will work closely with the Assistant News Director and our ABC Attorney to make sure all content is reviewed and approved. This person will work with the lead to respond to attorney questions, work with the editor to ensure they have all the information needed to get the stories on the web. While reviewing and maintaining a log of all the stories we are investigating. At any given time, there will be twenty plus stories that we are working on at a high priority level in distinct phases of the process. Support the investigative team with interviews, scheduling, and story development. Monitor and follow up on leads and tips from viewers. Maintain detailed records of research, correspondence, and deadlines. This person may have direct communication with viewers to gather information and follow up on tips. This role will not have direct contact with businesses or government officials unless directed, due to legal considerations. This role must exercise extreme care in verbal and written communication to avoid legal exposure.
Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:
- Research and gather information for multiple investigative stories in progress.
- File and track public records requests with various government agencies.
- Compile, organize, and analyze data from public records and other sources.
- Assist with legal review preparation by coordinating with attorneys and providing necessary documentation.
- Ensure all communications and interactions adhere to legal and ethical standards.
Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:
- 1+ years of experience in journalism, investigative research, or related field preferred.
- Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with public records laws and investigative techniques a plus.
- Ability to work independently and manage sensitive information with discretion.
Basic Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education:
- College Degree
About ABC Owned TV Stations:
The Disney Entertainment Television group creates original entertainment and news content for the Company’s streaming platforms and its cable and broadcast networks.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with WTVD Television, LLC, which is part of a business we call ABC Owned TV Stations.
WTVD Television, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.