Trending Business Reporter

This is a Full Time Job

Explore the dynamic intersection of business, culture, and community in one of the nation's fastest-growing cities!

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.

This is a high-output beat in which you'll combine original reporting with smart curation to produce timely stories that resonate with readers. Your daily coverage will highlight trending business topics, such as viral business openings, real estate surges, workplace trends, Austin's tech scene, and local startups. Whether producing a quick-turn piece, a feature, or video content, you'll play a pivotal role in keeping our audience informed about Austin's rapid growth and economic evolution.

What will you do?
• Generate and pitch daily, high-relevance story ideas rooted in trending online conversations and analytics.
• Write clean, engaging, and timely articles with depth, accuracy, and a captivating voice.
• Use real-time metrics, platforms like Google Trends and CrowdTangle, and social media fluency (e.g., TikTok, X, and Instagram) to identify emerging trends.
• Develop original angles on top business stories and elevate them through in-depth reporting.
• Create multimedia content (e.g., videos, Instagram reels, TikToks) to complement your articles.
• Balance quick-hit news reporting with short enterprise and accountability stories.
• Collaborate with the Business, Growth, and Development team to ensure cohesive coverage and avoid redundancy.
• Occasionally assist with general assignments or broader breaking news coverage.

What will it take to be successful?

Required:
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of reporting experience with a proven ability to move quickly while maintaining accuracy.
• A solid understanding of news ethics, including sourcing and verification best practices.
• Strong writing, communication, and time management skills.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, or holidays as news demands.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred:
• Business reporting expertise, particularly in tech, startups, workplace trends, or local commerce.
• Familiarity with public records, SEC filings, and FOIA requests.
• Skill in video production and on-camera presentation.

About us:

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.

At Hearst Newspapers we not only support our employees through personal and professional development, but we also believe in promoting each individual's physical, financial and emotional well-being (and that of their family). Our industry-leading benefits include:
• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Be your best self with our mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual's unique needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too – helping you keep them happy and healthy.
• And more, click here for additional benefits and details.