Multimedia Journalist

The Victoria Advocate in Victoria, Texas — an award-winning daily newspaper and digital news organization — is seeking a motivated multimedia journalist to join our newsroom.

In our digital-first newsroom, coverage is strategic, accountability-driven and centered on what matters most to our readers. This reporter will take ownership of two critical beats that directly affect the lives of people throughout Victoria and the surrounding Crossroads region: local government and health care.

On the City Hall beat, you’ll cover the decisions shaping one of South Texas’ regional hubs. That means reporting on Victoria City Council, city administration, budgets and taxes, infrastructure, development, housing, utilities and other issues involving taxpayer dollars and public policy. We expect our reporters to go beyond meeting coverage by developing sources, requesting public records, analyzing documents and explaining how government decisions affect residents.

On the health beat, you’ll cover the people, institutions and issues shaping health care across the region. Coverage may include hospitals and clinics, public health, mental and behavioral health services, health care access, medical workforce challenges and emerging health issues affecting the Crossroads.

We cover the essential news readers need — from how their tax dollars are being spent and when their streets will be repaired to changes in health care services — while using audience analytics to identify issues that deserve deeper reporting. We want journalism that explains, investigates and holds institutions accountable while also highlighting solutions and progress within our communities.

What we’re looking for

The ideal candidate is a curious, persistent journalist who understands that strong beat reporting begins with relationships but does not end with press releases and public meetings.

Our next reporter should be an excellent interviewer, writer and researcher who is comfortable working with public records, budgets, government documents and data. The ability to translate complicated government and health topics into clear, accessible journalism is essential.

Basic photography and multimedia skills are also expected as part of our digital-first approach.

Applicants should have two or more years of journalism experience, although recent college graduates with strong clips demonstrating enterprise reporting, curiosity and sound news judgment will be considered.

Where you’ll be working

Victoria, Texas, combines the accessibility of a smaller community with the resources and amenities of a regional hub. Located between Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi, Victoria provides an excellent base for journalists interested in covering the issues affecting South Texas.

The city offers a relatively affordable cost of living, a rich history, outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community. More importantly for a reporter, Victoria and the surrounding Crossroads counties provide no shortage of meaningful stories involving growth, government, health care, education, industry and the people shaping the region.

Want to experience small-town Texas with big-city amenities? Welcome home.

About the Victoria Advocate

The Victoria Advocate is part of Carpenter Media Group, a family-owned company committed to the mission of community journalism. We focus on providing valuable information, holding institutions accountable and fostering strong connections within the communities we serve. Most recently, the Advocate was recognized by U.S. Congress for 180 years of continuing local journalism. 

Our newsroom covers Victoria and communities throughout the Crossroads region of South Texas, with an emphasis on journalism that residents cannot get anywhere else. 

In addition to reporting for the Victoria Advocate, this journalist may have opportunities to contribute features to our lifestyle magazine, Discover 361, which highlights the people, places and experiences that make the Crossroads unique.

Compensation and benefits

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision and life insurance, along with paid time off.

How to apply

If you want to produce meaningful local journalism and take ownership of two important community beats, send your resume, cover letter and relevant work samples to Managing Editor Monique Brand at [email protected].