Full-Time

Houston Chronicle seeks a Texas brands reporter

November 27, 2025

Posted by Chris Roush

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 What You’ll Do:

  • 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 Requirements:

  • 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

What type of decisions does this person have the authority to make without a supervisor’s approval?

  • Developing sources and chasing news leads and features within their assigned beat

For what types of decisions does this person defer to others for approval?

  • 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

To apply, go here.

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