Job Description
Job Overview:
Breaking News Reporter
The Austin American-Statesman (statesman.com) has been the leading source of news and information for Central Texas since 1871, serving a dynamic and fast-growing region anchored by the capital city of Texas. Austin is known for its vibrant tech industry, rich cultural heritage, influential government institutions and creative spirit. Since its acquisition by Hearst in 2025, the Statesman continues to operate with editorial independence while benefiting from Hearst’s expansive journalistic and technological resources.
Would you like the opportunity to become an aggressive, digitally savvy journalist covering breaking and trending news in the nation’s 11th largest city?
This job requires the ability to quickly turn around stories on major news events in Austin, including but not limited to crime, that are accurate, clean and employ quick, tight and lively writing. We are looking for someone with a competitive mindset who is determined to see their work at the top of our pageview charts each day.
This reporter will have the opportunity to chase news related to business and entertainment, in addition to crime, and to write features and explainers about topics trending online. They will be expected to pitch high-audience-potential ideas, add smart context to the news of the day and to seek out appropriate multimedia to package with their copy.
What will you do?
- Research, report and produce accurate, compelling content that informs and engages readers.
- Write inviting headlines and social language to lure the biggest possible audience
- Use sites such as Google Trends and and other platforms to mine story ideas from social media and news organizations.
- Work closely with our visuals team, keeping them in the loop about major events that demand photographs or video.
- Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
- Will work a Sunday through Thursday shift, and evenings and holidays as needed.
What will it take to be successful?
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least two years of professional journalism experience.
- High-level writing, communication, and time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
- Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
- Comfort with using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
- Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen (for driving roles only).
About Hearst Newspapers
The Austin American-Statesman is a division of Hearst Newspapers (HNP).
With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.
At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.
Be a part of something bigger – Your Headline Awaits!
Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at [email protected]. Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.
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