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Freelance Reporter - Austin, Texas

1/28/2026

Freelance reporters will cover a variety of stories, from entry-level fact-checking to complex topics in government, health care, and real estate. They will be expected to deliver quality content while meeting deadlines and communicating effectively with editors and sources.

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

201-500 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

About The Company

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the first edition of Community Impact in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pflugerville. Now, Community Impact distributes hyperlocal news and information to millions of local residents and business owners each day online and monthly by mail. CI is vested in the communities we serve and has dedicated reporters in each community who attend city council and school board meetings. We are among the first to report on local business, transportation, education and health care. Our staff serve on chamber boards, volunteer with nonprofits and are involved in our communities to make them a better place to live and work.

About the Role

Description

Freelance Reporter at a Top News Organization. This position is categorized as a 1099 position.

Our Austin-area cities have stories to tell, and Community Impact is looking for your help to get them out. From entry-level fact-checking to complex government, health care, and real estate stories, Community Impact is looking to build up our stable of freelance writers who are ready to take on a variety of assignments.

ABOUT YOU

You should apply to our Freelance Reporter role if you:

Are organized and a great communicator.
Understand the importance of deadlines and delivering on expectations.
Are comfortable working remotely while communicating with an editor and sources.
Have previous reporting experience (especially with meeting coverage or business features).
Are eager to meet people and willing to drive throughout the greater metro area and/or pick up the phone as needed.
An early career, including collegiate, journalist, looking to grow your portfolio or an experienced reporter looking to take on assignments.

FREELANCE RATES

Lead story - $250

News Report, Biz/Dining Profile, History, Guide (with photos) - $150

Beat meeting coverage - $125 (one story), $200 (two stories)

Photo-only assignment - $200

Photo-only assignment with drone photography - $200

Nonprofit, People Profile, Q&A, Transportation Reports - $100

Impacts - $7 per Impact

Calendar - $50

Listings/Fact-checks - $1.50

Kill fee (if assignment is killed at no fault of freelancer) - We pay full price

Not every assignment is a fit for every freelancer, and we are open to a variety of backgrounds and strengths. If you want to learn more, reach out to dsprague@communityimpact.com.

Interested in checking out our work? Visit https://communityimpact.com. If you are ready to make a real difference in your community, apply today.

Key Skills

OrganizationCommunicationDeadline ManagementReportingMeeting CoverageBusiness FeaturesNetworkingDrivingPortfolio Development