Business Litigation/Bankruptcy Reporter, Austin American-Statesman

Title: Business Litigation/Bankruptcy Reporter, Austin American-Statesman

The Austin American-Statesman is seeking an experienced reporter to mine local, state and federal courts for stories about litigation affecting area business and the economy in one of the nation’s most vibrant cities.

What will you do?

As a member of the regional Business team, this reporter will cover lawsuits involving major local companies, business and government leaders and individuals. One day, they may be writing about a financial scam perpetrated against investors or a feud among siblings fighting for control of a family owned business. The next day, the news could be a major company filing bankruptcy, a patent infringement claim against a tech company or a lawsuit against a manufacturer over an on-the-job injury.

What will it take to be successful?

The successful applicant will be an excellent reporter and writer with a track record of finding and telling compelling and rigorously reported stories on complicated subjects. In addition to experience covering courts, they must have a deep knowledge of public and private industry, government, regulatory issues and economics.

Other requirements: 

• At least five years of experience covering courts or business. Candidates with a track record in both specialties will get top priority.
• A digital-first mindset, understanding of SEO and how to optimize coverage for different audiences and formats, including social media.
• Collaboration with teams responsible for visuals, data, and audience to create compelling multimedia journalism that reaches the broadest audience possible in multiple formats.
• Embrace of a fast-paced, collaborative environment and ability to communicate well with colleagues across departments and Hearst newsrooms.

This position reports to the Regional Business Editor as part of the Hearst Texas Business news staff in Austin and San Antonio.

The department also covers technology, energy, utilities, auto manufacturing, labor, trade, aerospace, cybersecurity, real estate, insurance, retail, tourism, economic development and the region’s major companies and industries. Among the companies of focus are Tesla, Dell, Cisco, Oracle, Valero, USAA, SpaceX, Boeing, Samsung, H-E-B and Whataburger. 

About The Austin American-Statesman:

The Austin American-Statesman has been the leading source of news and information for Central Texas since 1871, serving a dynamic and fast-growing region anchored by the capital city of Texas. Austin is known for its vibrant tech industry, rich cultural heritage, influential government institutions and creative spirit.

The Statesman's award-winning journalists provide in-depth coverage of the issues that matter most to Austinites — from local government and business to education, the environment and Austin’s ever-evolving music and cultural scenes. With a strong focus on accountability journalism and investigative reporting, the Statesman plays a critical role in informing and engaging its community.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications including the Austin American-Statesman, San Antonio Express-News, Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle, Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. 

Be a part of something bigger – Your Headline Awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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