Houston Chronicle is hiring: Rockets Reporter in Houston

Rockets Reporter – Houston Chronicle

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The Houston Chronicle is looking for a reporter who can capture the full story of Houston basketball—on the court, in the locker room, and across the city. This role goes far beyond box scores; we’re looking for someone who can explain what’s happening behind the scenes, tell human and cultural stories that resonate beyond sports, and illuminate the business forces that define the modern NBA.

We’re looking for a sharp writer and interviewer with a deep understanding of basketball and the NBA’s culture, comfortable on camera, and who can produce smart, fast, visual and fun coverage. The ideal candidate will be able to shoot a quick explainer video, write deeply reported features, and appear on video to bring context and energy to coverage.

Responsibilities

• Deliver smart, timely coverage that goes beyond game recaps to explain the “why” behind results, roster moves and front‑office decisions.
• Develop exclusive enterprise and trend stories about NBA culture, player personalities and the business of the game—from sponsorship deals and media rights to the evolving in‑arena experience.
• Break news by cultivating sources inside the organization, around the league and in adjacent industries.
• Produce clear explainers and quick‑turn analysis for web and social, and appear on video to bring context and energy to your coverage.
• Use audience insights and analytics to shape coverage plans, spot opportunities and find the next big conversation.
• Collaborate with editors, photographers and audience strategists to produce stories that stand out across platforms from TikTok to Instagram and beyond.
• Travel as assigned for major games, playoffs, news and enterprise reporting.

Qualifications

• At least 3‑5 years of relevant sports reporting experience, ideally covering a professional or major college beat, or equivalent experience.
• A sharp writer and interviewer with a deep understanding of basketball, the NBA’s culture, and how to find fresh, distinctive angles.
• Thrives on breaking news, finding stories no one else has, and engaging with fans on the biggest talking points of the day.
• Comfortable on camera and can explain complex stories succinctly, with authority and personality.
• Think digitally first, embrace experimentation, and use social platforms to source ideas and connect with audiences.
• Works collaboratively in a fast‑paced newsroom, meets deadlines and upholds the highest standards of accuracy and fairness.

Success is measured by

• Breaking exclusive news and producing standout enterprise that differentiates the Chronicle’s coverage.
• Building a loyal audience for Rockets coverage through distinct, high‑quality storytelling.
• Growing reach and engagement across platforms— from website to social to video—through creative, audience‑centered framing.
• Demonstrating impact: stories that spark conversation, help readers understand the culture and business of basketball, and set the agenda for Houston sports coverage.

About the Houston Chronicle

The Houston Chronicle serves its 2.3 million residents with content across two of Houston’s largest websites— HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com—along with magazine, television and newspaper brands. All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years.

About Hearst Newspapers

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the 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.

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 hnpemployment@hearst.com. 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.