Reporter - Alabama Food, Life and Culture

AL.com is seeking someone who understands how to report on food for a social audience, from fine dining recommendations to discovering hidden gems to examining the best barbecue shack in rural Alabama. We’re looking for a tour guide, someone who will develop trust across Alabama and grow their audience on multiple social platforms as they find the places that make Alabama’s culinary scene memorable. 

This role is more than reviewing Birmingham restaurants — it’s about discovering stories, identifying trends, celebrating local communities, and helping audiences experience the very best Alabama has to offer. The ideal candidate is recognized as an authority on food, dining, travel, culture, and Southern living, with the ability to translate that expertise into compelling content across social, video and written stories that inform and inspire.

The base salary range is $48,000 to $60,000 per year.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a leading authority on Alabama's dining, food, beverage, entertainment, and lifestyle scene.
• Discover and cover emerging restaurants, chefs, food entrepreneurs, festivals, and culinary trends across the state.
• Create engaging articles, videos, social content, newsletters, and live event coverage.
• Build and maintain relationships with chefs, restaurateurs, tourism leaders, farmers, artisans, and hospitality professionals.
• Attend tastings, openings, festivals, and industry events to identify stories before they become mainstream.
• Provide expert commentary and recommendations for audiences seeking trusted guidance on where to eat, drink, shop, and explore.
• Develop destination guides, rankings, features, and trend analyses that showcase Alabama's unique culture.
• Represent the brand publicly through media appearances, speaking engagements, and community events.
• Deliver insightful reporting that balances enthusiastic storytelling with journalistic integrity and expert knowledge.

What Makes You Exceptional

• Deep, demonstrated knowledge of Alabama's food culture, culinary history, hospitality industry, and lifestyle trends.
• A reputation as a trusted voice whose recommendations influence consumer decisions.
• Exceptional storytelling skills across written, video, audio, and social platforms.
• Natural curiosity and a desire to uncover what's next before everyone else.
• Strong network of contacts throughout Alabama's restaurant, tourism, and cultural communities.
• Ability to spot emerging trends and explain why they matter.
• Comfortable being both a reporter and a personality—equally capable of breaking news, conducting interviews, and captivating an audience.

Ideal Qualifications

• A degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least two years of professional journalism experience with a demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling and accurate reporting.
• Experience in food journalism, lifestyle reporting, content creation, hospitality, or related field.
• Proven track record of producing high-impact content that engages audiences.
• Strong on-camera and public-speaking presence.
• Knowledge of Southern cuisine, regional food traditions, and Alabama cultural destinations.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout Alabama.

Why This Role Matters

Alabama's food scene is experiencing a remarkable evolution—from award-winning chefs and innovative restaurants to enduring local institutions and emerging culinary destinations. We need a storyteller who can help audiences navigate that landscape with authority, authenticity, and enthusiasm.

If you are passionate about great food, compelling stories, and the people shaping Alabama's culture, this is your opportunity to become the definitive expert on one of the South's most exciting lifestyle and culinary scenes.