Audience Intern: Data-Driven News & Engagement

Houston Chronicle; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentor from newsroom

Paid internship

Housing in Houston

Job summary

Houston Chronicle is seeking a curious and versatile student journalist to join its Audience team for the summer 2027 internship program. You will work with editors, reporters and audience strategists to shape coverage, craft headlines and social posts, and engage readers across platforms.

The internship offers real hands-on experience at the intersection of journalism, storytelling and digital strategy, with a mentor from the newsroom and the chance to develop skills that support reader growth

Qualifications

• Juniors, seniors or recent graduates with prior experience at a college news publication or professional news organization.

Responsibilities

• Monitor real-time analytics and identify patterns in what readers are viewing, sharing and returning to.
• Help editors and reporters frame stories for maximum clarity, relevance and impact.
• Write and refine headlines, social copy, push alerts and other promotional language with attention to SEO and news value.
• Create social posts and contribute to strategies for platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit and more.
• Assist with newsletter planning, writing and audience‑focused story selection.
• Help 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 Chronicle journalism into useful, compelling digital experiences

Job description

Houston Chronicle is seeking a curious and versatile student journalist to join its Audience team for the summer 2027 internship program. You will work with editors, reporters and audience strategists to shape coverage, craft headlines and social posts, and engage readers across platforms.

The internship offers real hands-on experience at the intersection of journalism, storytelling and digital strategy, with a mentor from the newsroom and the chance to develop skills that support reader growth