Austin American-Statesman · 18 hours ago
Reporter - Stanford Rebele Summer Internship, 2026
8000 Metropolis Dr, Austin, TX, 78744, US
Internship
Hybrid
Intern
1+ years exp
Start in 2026 SummerThe 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. The successful candidate will report on the Travis County Commissioners Court and major policy decisions, producing journalism that ranges from breaking news to enterprise and watchdog reporting.
Information ServicesMedia and EntertainmentNews
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
Property taxes and county budgeting
Justice system reform and diversion initiatives
Elections administration
Disaster response, flooding recovery and climate resilience
County infrastructure, IT and operations modernization
Identify unique angles that distinguish the Statesman’s coverage from competitors
Collaborate with editors and colleagues across departments on digital publication strategies, elections coverage, breaking news and major projects
Write engaging headlines and SEO elements with a digital, diverse audience in mind
Maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and auto insurance
Qualification
Required
Current Stanford University students
Ability to write breaking news, step-backs, explainers, news features, analysis and enterprise stories on deadline
Ability to develop original watchdog and enterprise reporting by mastering county budgets, policy debates and public records
Ability to track major issues including public health and housing challenges, property taxes and county budgeting, justice system reform and diversion initiatives, elections administration, disaster response, flooding recovery and climate resilience, county infrastructure, IT and operations modernization
Ability to identify unique angles that distinguish the Statesman's coverage from competitors
Ability to collaborate with editors and colleagues across departments on digital publication strategies, elections coverage, breaking news and major projects
Ability to write engaging headlines and SEO elements with a digital, diverse audience in mind
Maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation and auto insurance
Preferred
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
Benefits
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
Company
Austin American-Statesman
Austin American-Statesman is a prominent primary media firm that provides sources of daily news.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2025-02-19Acquired
Leadership Team
Eddie Burns
Retired - CFO
Recent News
2025-03-06
Company data provided by crunchbase