Texas Newsroom Legislative Reporting Intern, Spring 2027

TEXAS NEWSROOM LEGISLATIVE REPORTING INTERN, SPRING 2027

WHO WE ARE:
Serving the country’s fourth-largest media market, KERA reaches more than 5 million people monthly through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, WRR and The Denton Record-Chronicle as well as through national shows Think and From the Top. For more than 65 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for community engagement and lifelong learning.

As we seek to recognize and reflect our audience and communities, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and points of view to consider employment opportunities at KERA.


ABOUT THE TEXAS NEWSROOM:
The Texas Newsroom is the collaboration among NPR and public radio stations in Texas, including KUT Austin, KERA North Texas, Houston Public Media and Texas Public Radio in San Antonio. We air six daily statewide newscasts, and our stations partner to produce the radio newsmagazine Texas Standard, “the national daily news show of Texas.” 


POSITION SUMMARY
We're looking for a curious and motivated college student or recent graduate in the Austin area to join our statewide reporting team. You'll work alongside veteran journalists to cover the people, policies and debates shaping Texas. Stories you produce for radio and digital platforms will reach audiences across Texas — and potentially nationwide via NPR.

This is a hands-on reporting internship where you'll develop story ideas, cover important hearings, interview lawmakers and everyday Texans, and learn how to break down complicated policy debates into engaging and accessible stories. This intern will also be paired with a veteran journalist who will serve as a mentor throughout the legislative session.

Our previous interns have reported on everything from abortion legislation to the state's school voucher debate to profiles of new lawmakers navigating their first weeks at the Capitol.

This is an FLSA classified non-exempt position and will report to the Managing Editor, The Texas Newsroom.


WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Report in person at the Texas Capitol at committee hearings, on the House and Senate floor and at press conferences and rallies.
• Record audio and produce newscast spots and audio features. Equipment will be provided.
• Write news stories and features for digital audiences.
• Pitch stories.
• Respond quickly to breaking news.
• Conduct research and interviews to provide context and explain the potential impact of legislation.
• Occasionally dive into topics outside the Legislature as assigned. 
  
  

As a KERA employee: 

• Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures 
• Perform additional duties as assigned 

 This list of job duties is not exhaustive and is subject to regular reviews and updates.


WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL:
Qualified applicants must be current students (in an accredited degree program) or have graduated no more than 12 months prior to the start of the internship.

We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences, and passions. If you don't meet every job qualification but have some of these skills and think you’re the right person for the job, we'd like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself.

• Strong writing and editing skills
• Solid understanding of AP style
• Knowledge of public radio

 
BONUS IF YOU BRING:

• Audio editing experience
• Previous experience working for a daily news organization
• Knowledge of social media practices

SALARY
$16 per hour paid on a bi-weekly pay period. Interns can expect to work 15-20 hours per week.


LOCATION AND SCHEDULE:
The internship is in-person and based in Austin, TX. Interns should have some availability between 9am and 5pm (M-F). Hours are flexible, and we will work with you to accommodate class schedules.

The internship will begin around January 11, 2027, and end June 4, 2027. There may be opportunities to extend the internship into the Summer 2027 term.


HOW TO APPLY:

• Complete the application on KERA’s employment page and attach a resume.
• Add a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this internship.
• Include a link to an online portfolio that includes at least 3 work samples, such as audio or digital news stories for a campus publication or class assignment.
  
  

APPLICATION TIMELINE:
We generally close roles 2-4 weeks after posting. The hiring process may continue for several weeks after the closing of the role depending on the number of applicants.


KERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.