Food Reporter

The Houston Chronicle is seeking a Food Reporter to cover the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene in fresh, innovative ways. This reporter will focus on breaking news about Houston’s restaurant and food culture and create content that meets audiences where they are — particularly through social platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

As our Food Reporter, you’ll go beyond traditional storytelling, crafting engaging content in a variety of formats, from quick social video updates about restaurant openings to in-depth explorations of food trends and Houston’s culinary scene. Your work will combine strong reporting and ethical, authoritative journalism with a deep understanding of digital and social media platforms, helping us connect with food lovers across Houston.

Key Responsibilities:

Be first and best in reporting Houston’s food news, from the latest restaurant openings to insider scoops on the industry. Cover restaurant openings and closures, food trends, chef profiles, and the stories behind the meals, with a focus on what matters most to Houston’s diverse communities. Develop stories that translate seamlessly into video, particularly for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, to capture and engage audiences where they look for food news. Collaborate closely with other members of the food team as well as visuals and audience teams to produce content that brings stories to life and amplifies their reach. Use social media listening and audience tools to identify trending food topics and create content that resonates with Houstonians. Juggle breaking news with longer features, food guides, and experimental digital storytelling that helps readers and viewers discover Houston’s restaurant and food culture.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

Has experience reporting and storytelling across multiple platforms, particularly social video, with a talent for creating TikToks, Instagram Reels, or similar short-form content. Is passionate about food and has a strong understanding of Houston’s restaurant scene and culinary culture. Brings a creative mindset to food coverage, finding ways to engage audiences through innovative story formats and visuals. Is adept at balancing breaking news with longer, feature-style reporting, and can craft compelling narratives that keep readers and viewers coming back. Has strong social media skills, with a proven ability to grow engagement and build a loyal audience through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Thrives in a collaborative environment and works well with editors, videographers, and digital teams to elevate coverage. Has at least 5 years of reporting experience, with at least 2 years reporting on food and restaurants

Success is Measured By:

The production of high-quality, audience-focused food content that resonates across platforms. Primary KPIs: Visits to restaurant reviews, food guides and breaking news Conversions Subscriber visits Secondary KPIs: Off-platform engagement, including video views Growth in new audiences who discover and follow us through food-related search and video content.

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands.  Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston.  All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and 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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