Title: Breaking/Trending Reporter, Austin American-Statesman

 

Join a best-in-class newsroom covering one of the most dynamic cities in the country. The Breaking/Trending Reporter will cover audience-centric stories that Austin is talking about on any given day. This team is the newsroom’s first line of defense for breaking news, viral moments and more. 

 

What will you do?

Research, report and produce 2 to 4 stories daily. Topics vary from news, crime and business to entertainment, features and trending topics.  Pitch high-audience-potential ideas, add smart context to the news of the day and seek out appropriate multimedia to package with copy. Write inviting headlines and social language to lure the biggest possible audience. Use tools such as Google Trends 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 reader interest. Will work one weekend day, plus evenings and holidays as needed.

 

What will it take to be successful?

The successful Breaking/Trending Reporter will have their finger on the pulse of what Austin is talking about. They’ll be hungry to add to that conversation.

At least two years of professional journalism experience. Strong journalistic writing and skills, including story structure and AP style. 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. Strong understanding of digital publishing tools, CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, MediaOS, or similar) and multimedia integration. Highly organized and strong time management – able to juggle multiple priorities at once. Sound news judgment, established through newsroom experience or journalistic training. Solid grasp of audience trend data and able to use that information to drive content decisions. Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus. 

About The Austin American-Statesman:

The Austin American-Statesman 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.

 

The Statesman's award-winning journalists provide in-depth coverage of the issues that matter most to Austinites — from local government and business to education, the environment and Austin’s ever-evolving music and cultural scenes. With a strong focus on accountability journalism and investigative reporting, the Statesman plays a critical role in informing and engaging its community.

 

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the Austin American-Statesman, San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, 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.