Houston Chronicle is hiring: Texas Brands Reporter, Chron in Houston

Texas Brands Reporter • Houston Chronicle Everything’s bigger in Texas—especially its brands. Texans love the companies that shape their state. Chron is looking for a Texas Brands Reporter who has an eye for compelling angles to business stories that no one else has, can break news fast, and cover the kinds of trending state-focused topics and people that make readers say, “Only in Texas.” The ideal candidate will be just as comfortable pulling key details from a Tesla earnings call as they are taste‑testing the latest Blue Bell ice cream flavor. Based in Houston, you’ll chase corporate scoops, track expansions and closures, and highlight the state’s viral business moments and business leaders. The storytelling is as much Elon Musk and Joe Rogan as it is H‑E‑B and Buc‑ee’s. And you’ll tell these stories with the authority of a business journalist and the voice of a proud Texan. Responsibilities Report breaking and trending business news related to Texas brands, including major corporate moves, earnings, expansions, and controversies File 2–4 stories per day, ranging from quick‑turn news to slightly longer explainers or feature pieces Identify story opportunities through social trends, analytics, and traditional beat reporting Shoot and edit vertical video to accompany your stories on Chron.com and social platforms Monitor earnings reports, filings, press releases, and public events to build a steady content calendar Pitch stories that connect business developments to broader cultural or identity‑driven conversations in Texas Collaborate with editors to shape coverage strategy that drives traffic and engagement among Texas readers Qualifications 3+ years of professional journalism experience Excellent reporting, writing, and news judgment skills Proven ability to work fast, accurately, and with a distinctive voice Interest in (or experience with) business reporting, including public filings, corporate structures, and market trends Strong understanding of what resonates with Texas readers Willingness to travel occasionally for assignments or events Preferred Skills On‑camera and video production experience Familiarity with social media trends and tools (TikTok, Instagram Reels, etc.) Understanding of Texas’ major industries and brands Experience using data and analytics to inform coverage decisions Decision Authority Developing sources and chasing news leads and features within their assigned beat Defer to Others Publishing features and news stories to Chron's site Editorial strategy Measurements of Success Meeting deadlines and keeping pace with publishing schedule while improving quality of work over time Overall traffic performance of original stories in aims of meeting daily and monthly goals Chron is an essential digital‑first local news source serving more than 6 million unique readers a month in Houston and the surrounding region, including Galveston and the Gulf Coast. Once the digital home for the Houston Chronicle, Chron became its own distinctive site and newsroom in 2012, when HoustonChronicle.com launched. Focusing on stories that capture local culture and spark conversation, Chron covers trending sports, food and entertainment, travel, local TV personalities, real estate, space and more. Chron.com has become the go‑to destination for metro and regional readers who are curious about what’s new in Houston and what’s affecting culture and life in the Bayou City. 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. 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 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. Seniority Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing Newspaper Publishing #J-18808-Ljbffr