Audience Intern

About the Role

The Houston Chronicle is seeking a curious and versatile student journalist for a summer internship within its Audience team. This role focuses on how journalism reaches readers and encourages their return. Interns will collaborate with editors, reporters, and audience strategists to shape coverage, develop headlines and social posts, engage readers, and utilize data to understand audience preferences. This internship offers experience at the intersection of journalism, storytelling, and digital strategy, aiming to help the Chronicle connect with a wide readership.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor real-time analytics to identify patterns in reader behavior.
• Assist editors and reporters in framing stories for clarity, relevance, and impact.
• Write and refine headlines, social copy, push alerts, and promotional language, considering SEO and news value.
• Create social posts and contribute to strategies for platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Reddit.
• Support newsletter planning, writing, and audience-focused story selection.
• Package stories for the homepage and other digital platforms.
• Research search trends, audience interests, and emerging platforms.
• Pitch ideas for reaching new audiences and deepening connections with existing readers.
• Collaborate across the newsroom to translate journalism into digital experiences.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Juniors, seniors, or recent graduates with prior experience at a college news publication or professional news organization.
• A personal laptop and reliable internet access (Wi-Fi or hotspot).
• Must reside in Houston and work in the Chronicle’s office a minimum of 3 days per week.

Internship Details

• Duration: 10 weeks, from early June to early August.
• Hours: 40 hours per week.
• Pay: $15 per hour.
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend coverage as needed.
• Mentorship: Each intern will be assigned a newsroom mentor based on their interests.

Application Details

• Deadline: October 25, 2026.
• Submission Requirements:
• Portfolio of 5 audience-related clips (e.g., social media posts, newsletters, alerts).
• Resume.
• 1-page cover letter addressed to the recruiting committee, detailing passion for journalism and internship goals.

About the Houston Chronicle

The Houston Chronicle is recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism and serves the Houston community. It operates through HoustonChronicle.com, Chron.com, a magazine, television, and newspaper brands. Its mission is to inspire action for a better Houston by fostering conversations.

About Hearst Newspapers

Hearst Newspapers (HNP) comprises a network of publications and digital platforms across the nation. HNP is committed to innovative storytelling and platform evolution to support millions of readers.