Reporter - Stanford Rebele Summer Internship, 2026
Hearst Communications, Inc., Austin, TX, United States
The Austin American-Statesman is seeking a tenacious, inquisitive, and versatile journalist to cover Travis County government, one of the most influential and fast-growing local governments in Texas. This reporter will cover the Travis County Commissioners Court, county agencies and major policy decisions that shape daily life across Central Texas.
This beat sits at the center of some of the region’s most urgent and complex issues — public health, housing affordability, taxation, elections, criminal justice, disaster response and climate resilience. The successful candidate will be skilled at cultivating sources, covering a complex beat and producing journalism that ranges from breaking news to enterprise, watchdog, and explanatory reporting.
This is a high-impact role that demands sharp news judgment, accountability reporting, and the ability to identify and pursue stories others miss. Watchdog and explanatory journalism are top priorities for the American-Statesman, and the ability to collaborate in a team environment is essential.
This internship is paid through the Stanford Rebele Internship Program. To be eligible, candidates must be current Stanford University students.
What You’ll Do
Cover Power and Policy
Report on Travis County Commissioners Court and county agencies, holding officials accountable for decisions that affect about 1.4 million residents.
Explain Complex Issues
Translate budgets, tax rates, policy proposals and public health data into clear, accessible journalism that shows readers why county government matters.
Spot Stories Others Miss
Develop original coverage that advances the news beyond meeting recaps, with a focus on impact, equity and consequences.
Serve the Public Interest
Center reporting on issues affecting residents most directly, including housing instability, mental health access, disaster recovery and affordability pressures.
Build Sources
Cultivate a broad network of contacts, including elected officials, county staff, advocates and community members.
Key Responsibilities
Write breaking news, step-backs, explainers, news features, analysis and enterprise stories on deadline
Develop original watchdog and enterprise reporting by mastering county budgets, policy debates and public records
Track major issues including: public health and housing challenges
Track major issues including: property taxes and county budgeting
Track major issues including: justice system reform and diversion initiatives
Track major issues including: elections administration
Track major issues including: disaster response, flooding recovery and climate resilience
Track major issues including: county infrastructure, IT and operations modernization
Track major issues including: identify unique angles that distinguish the Statesman’s coverage from competitors
Track major issues including: collaborate with editors and colleagues across departments on digital publication strategies, elections coverage, breaking news and major projects
Track major issues including: write engaging headlines and SEO elements with a digital, diverse audience in mind
Track major issues including: maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and auto insurance
Preferred Qualifications
At least one to two years of journalism experience, preferably covering government, public policy or accountability beats
Current student at Stanford University
Government reporting experience is strongly preferred but not required
Demonstrated ability to interpret budgets, policy documents and public records
Proven skill at cultivating sources and breaking news
Strong writing skills, with a track record of producing clear, accurate and compelling copy on deadline
Ability to juggle multiple assignments in a fast-paced newsroom
Commitment to fairness, accuracy and journalistic standards
Spanish language proficiency is a plus
Familiarity with Austin or Texas government is a plus but not required
What We Offer
The opportunity to cover one of the most consequential local government beats in Texas
Support for ambitious enterprise, explanatory and watchdog journalism
A collaborative newsroom that values accountability, impact and creativity
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This beat sits at the center of some of the region’s most urgent and complex issues — public health, housing affordability, taxation, elections, criminal justice, disaster response and climate resilience. The successful candidate will be skilled at cultivating sources, covering a complex beat and producing journalism that ranges from breaking news to enterprise, watchdog, and explanatory reporting.
This is a high-impact role that demands sharp news judgment, accountability reporting, and the ability to identify and pursue stories others miss. Watchdog and explanatory journalism are top priorities for the American-Statesman, and the ability to collaborate in a team environment is essential.
This internship is paid through the Stanford Rebele Internship Program. To be eligible, candidates must be current Stanford University students.
What You’ll Do
Cover Power and Policy
Report on Travis County Commissioners Court and county agencies, holding officials accountable for decisions that affect about 1.4 million residents.
Explain Complex Issues
Translate budgets, tax rates, policy proposals and public health data into clear, accessible journalism that shows readers why county government matters.
Spot Stories Others Miss
Develop original coverage that advances the news beyond meeting recaps, with a focus on impact, equity and consequences.
Serve the Public Interest
Center reporting on issues affecting residents most directly, including housing instability, mental health access, disaster recovery and affordability pressures.
Build Sources
Cultivate a broad network of contacts, including elected officials, county staff, advocates and community members.
Key Responsibilities
Write breaking news, step-backs, explainers, news features, analysis and enterprise stories on deadline
Develop original watchdog and enterprise reporting by mastering county budgets, policy debates and public records
Track major issues including: public health and housing challenges
Track major issues including: property taxes and county budgeting
Track major issues including: justice system reform and diversion initiatives
Track major issues including: elections administration
Track major issues including: disaster response, flooding recovery and climate resilience
Track major issues including: county infrastructure, IT and operations modernization
Track major issues including: identify unique angles that distinguish the Statesman’s coverage from competitors
Track major issues including: collaborate with editors and colleagues across departments on digital publication strategies, elections coverage, breaking news and major projects
Track major issues including: write engaging headlines and SEO elements with a digital, diverse audience in mind
Track major issues including: maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and auto insurance
Preferred Qualifications
At least one to two years of journalism experience, preferably covering government, public policy or accountability beats
Current student at Stanford University
Government reporting experience is strongly preferred but not required
Demonstrated ability to interpret budgets, policy documents and public records
Proven skill at cultivating sources and breaking news
Strong writing skills, with a track record of producing clear, accurate and compelling copy on deadline
Ability to juggle multiple assignments in a fast-paced newsroom
Commitment to fairness, accuracy and journalistic standards
Spanish language proficiency is a plus
Familiarity with Austin or Texas government is a plus but not required
What We Offer
The opportunity to cover one of the most consequential local government beats in Texas
Support for ambitious enterprise, explanatory and watchdog journalism
A collaborative newsroom that values accountability, impact and creativity
#J-18808-Ljbffr