Audience Strategy Intern (Summer 2027)

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

Job summary

The Houston Chronicle, part of Hearst Newspapers, is seeking a curious Audience Intern for summer 2027 to help shape coverage, craft headlines and social posts, and engage readers across platforms.

You will work with editors, reporters and audience strategists to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of journalism and digital strategy, helping the Chronicle reach readers in Houston and beyond.

Qualifications

• Juniors, seniors or recent graduates with prior experience at a college news publication or professional news organization.
• A personal laptop and Wi‑Fi or hotspot access.
• Must obtain housing in Houston and work in the Chronicle's office at least 3 days a week.

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

Skills

News writing

Audience engagement

Social media content

Data-informed storytelling

Education

College news publication experience

Tools

Analytics platforms

SEO basics

Job description

The Houston Chronicle, part of Hearst Newspapers, is seeking a curious Audience Intern for summer 2027 to help shape coverage, craft headlines and social posts, and engage readers across platforms.

You will work with editors, reporters and audience strategists to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of journalism and digital strategy, helping the Chronicle reach readers in Houston and beyond.