About Us

Suncoast Searchlight is a nonprofit newsroom delivering accountability journalism across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. From development battles and environmental crises to high-stakes political clashes, the Suncoast offers no shortage of stories that directly shape people’s lives.

We’re seeking a reporter dedicated to covering local government and politics with urgency and depth. While others focus on meeting recaps, we focus on power: how decisions are made, who benefits, who gets left out and what it means for everyday people. Strong local journalism is essential to democracy, and we exist to serve the public interest.

About You

You’re a beat reporter at heart — curious, relentless and energized by being out in the community. You don’t wait for press releases. You show up, build sources, spot patterns and break stories.

You understand where power shows up in local government and how it shapes people’s lives. You know how to ask hard questions, use public records to get answers and make sure the people most affected by decisions are at the center of your reporting. You’re comfortable working at a fast pace, turning timely accountability stories while also pushing longer-term enterprise and investigative work forward.

This is not a desk job. It’s a reporting-forward role that demands strong judgment, stamina and sharp news instincts. You’ll be out in the community, at meetings and on the phone, expected to produce at least two stories a week — some quick-turn, others more ambitious — without losing sight of the bigger picture.

What You’ll Do

• Report and write two or more stories per week, balancing quick-turn accountability coverage with deeper enterprise pieces
• Cover city, county and regional government across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties
• Regularly attend public meetings to report, source and surface story ideas
• Break stories by cultivating sources within government agencies, advocacy groups, watchdog organizations and impacted communities
• Investigate how public money is spent, how decisions are made and who benefits
• Collaborate with newsroom colleagues and partner outlets on larger investigations
• Engage with the community to identify emerging issues and under-covered stories

Nine PBS: Senior Producer 

Who We Are: As an essential community institution, Nine PBS magnifies and deepens understanding of our community to help our region flourish. We convene meaningful conversations, we share thought-provoking content, and we host events that engage and inspire our region. Our unique facilities and connections offer opportunities for memorable experiences for audiences of all ages.  

Our History: We are a community-licensed public media station. For 70 years, we have been a foundational pillar in the St. Louis community by providing trusted, community-centered content and resources. Our core purpose is to magnify and deepen understanding of our community to help our region flourish.   

Our Values: Nine PBS is rooted in our four values: Community, Trust, Equity, and Learning. These guide every aspect of our work - both in how we interact with one another as teammates, as well as how we engage with the community.   

Our Culture: Nine PBS is an equal opportunity employer with a leadership team and culture that prioritizes a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.   

Our Team: One of our strategic goals is to create and sustain a positive, high-performing, and connected culture that prioritizes the well-being and belonging of every member of our team. Get to know the amazing individuals you will be working alongside if you are selected for this position: https://www.ninepbs.org/ourteam/. 

Position Description: The Senior Producer develops and produces short and long-form content and special projects across Nine PBS digital platforms and our broadcast channel to tell stories that matter to the St. Louis region. The senior producer also hosts, curates and produces Nine PBS specials, productions and/or events for the organization.