Courier Newsroom, Inc. - Freelance Reporter/Content Producer

Content Producer is needed in McAllen, United States.

Client: Courier Newsroom, Inc.

Location: McAllen, TX

Contract: Freelance

Job Description

The Courier Texas is seeking a freelance reporter / content producer to help expand coverage in the Rio Grande Valley and south central Texas. The contractor will independently produce a mix of local news, politics, and lifestyle content aimed at reaching audiences beyond traditional news consumers. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of local stories and topics that resonate with South Texans and knows how to create accessible, engaging content for the web, social platforms, and newsletters.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of the Rio Grande Valley / South Texas culture and local issues
• 3+ years of audience-centered local reporting experience
• Previous history of covering local politics, policy, or government for everyday readers
• Strong, clear writing skills, capable of breaking down complex topics in an approachable manner
• Conversational and accessible writing tone designed for everyday readers, not insider audiences
• Comfort sourcing stories from community conversations, social media, local events, and everyday experiences
• Experience creating content for web (WordPress) and social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
• Willingness to experiment with formats and test audience resonance
• Comfortable appearing on camera or creating video content
• Experience using tools like Canva, CapCut, Descript, or similar

Scope of Work

Deliverables include:

• Delivering 5-8 web stories per week, including a mix of original reporting, aggregation or curated explainers, and wire or partner content.
• Producing 2-4 pieces of social content per week to support newsletter and web stories, which may include short-form video and simple graphics.
• Creating content designed to drive audience growth and newsletter subscriptions across web and social platforms as directed.

Term & Schedule

• Initial term to be mutually agreed upon (recommended 3-6 months).
• Must reside in or regularly operate within the Rio Grande Valley region.
• The contractor will participate in virtual team meetings (2-3 times a week) and may join editorial check-ins as reasonably necessary.

Compensation

Rate: $35 an hour

Expected hours: Approximately 25 hours a week

Additional Information

This position is fully remote but requires the contractor to be based in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. The candidate will be an independent contractor and not an employee of COURIER Newsroom. They will control the manner and means of performing the services and will be responsible for all taxes, insurance, equipment, and business expenses unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Inclusivity Statement

COURIER Newsroom is committed to building an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We strongly encourage women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ candidates, and those from all backgrounds to apply.