OPT Journalist Jobs
Journalist jobs on OPT are available across print, digital, broadcast, and multimedia newsrooms. Most roles require a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, which satisfies the OPT degree-match requirement. STEM OPT does not apply here, so you have 12 months of work authorization to land a sponsored position.
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Get Access To All JobsABOUT THE ROLE & TEAM:
Univision Texas Central is looking for a motivated, competitive, and news-hungry Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) and Producer who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative newsroom and is passionate about delivering impactful journalism to our Hispanic communities.
This hybrid role combines strong newscast production skills with the initiative, creativity, independence, and on-air reporting capabilities of a multimedia journalist. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable producing compelling newscasts, developing original stories, and independently reporting from the field. As editorial needs evolve, this individual will also be expected to serve as an on-camera journalist, delivering live and pre-recorded reports, covering breaking news, and developing original stories for broadcast and digital platforms. This role requires someone who can confidently transition between producing behind the scenes and reporting in front of the camera.
We are building a newsroom culture rooted in ownership, accountability, collaboration, curiosity, and a relentless commitment to journalism. We value individuals who take initiative, communicate openly, embrace feedback, support their teammates, and approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.
We believe great journalism is a shared responsibility. Every producer plays an active role in identifying stories, developing sources, verifying information, advancing coverage, and responding to breaking news. We are looking for someone who doesn’t simply wait for assignments but actively seeks opportunities to inform our audience and strengthen our coverage.
Success in this role requires more than technical ability. It requires a team-first mentality, strong editorial instincts, adaptability, and a genuine desire to contribute to a newsroom where everyone is invested in the collective success of our journalism.
YOUR DAY-DAY:
- Produce compelling, accurate, and visually engaging newscasts and/or news content for broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms.
- Identify, pitch, research, and develop original, impactful stories that matter to Hispanic audiences in San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding communities.
- Demonstrate the versatility, confidence, and editorial readiness to transition between newscast production, assignment desk responsibilities, and independent field reporting based on daily newsroom priorities and operational needs.
- Actively contribute to the daily assignment process by monitoring developing news, identifying coverage opportunities, gathering and verifying information, following up on leads, and helping advance stories throughout the day.
- Exercise strong editorial judgment when evaluating story relevance, urgency, impact, and potential for audience engagement.
- Independently report from the field as assigned, serving as a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) responsible for researching, conducting interviews, gathering video and sound, writing scripts, editing packages, and producing complete news stories.
- Deliver live and pre-recorded on-camera reports for newscasts and digital platforms, including breaking news coverage, developing stories, and independently researched enterprise reporting. Be prepared to work in the field without an assigned photographer or additional reporting support when necessary.
- Build and organize rundowns, write compelling scripts, develop effective story treatments, and execute creative showcasing elements that strengthen the newscast.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community members, public officials, organizations, and other sources to generate original reporting and follow-up opportunities.
- Monitor news wires, scanners, social media, competing outlets, and other reliable sources to identify breaking news and developing stories.
- Coordinate closely with assignment editors, reporters, photographers, anchors, producers, and digital teams to ensure effective news gathering, timely communication, and efficient execution.
- Take initiative during breaking news and severe weather coverage, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and supporting newsroom needs in both the field and the control room.
- Identify opportunities to advance stories beyond the initial report by pursuing additional interviews, new angles, accountability questions, and meaningful follow-ups.
- Produce platform-appropriate digital content, including short-form videos, social media updates, and other multimedia storytelling elements.
- Maintain clear and timely communication across shifts, ensuring important editorial developments, pending follow-ups, and coverage needs are properly shared with the next team.
- Contribute actively to editorial meetings by bringing fresh story ideas, informed perspectives, and solutions that strengthen coverage.
- Take responsibility for assigned work from beginning to end, maintaining accuracy, meeting deadlines, communicating challenges, and following through on commitments.
- Demonstrate flexibility and ownership by supporting other newsroom functions when editorial priorities or breaking news demand it.
- Uphold high standards of accuracy, fairness, ethical journalism, and editorial integrity across all platforms.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
YOU HAVE:
- Strong news judgment and a demonstrated passion for local journalism and community-focused storytelling.
- Experience in television news production, multimedia journalism, reporting, or a related newsroom environment.
- Strong writing, research, interviewing, and fact-checking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to independently research, shoot, write, edit, and deliver complete multimedia news stories for broadcast and digital platforms.
- Strong on-camera presentation skills, including the ability to confidently deliver live reports, pre-recorded standups, and breaking news updates.
- Ability and willingness to work independently in the field, including covering breaking news, developing original stories, and reporting without an assigned photographer or additional reporting support.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple responsibilities and meet tight deadlines.
- A proactive, competitive mindset and the initiative to identify, develop, and pursue stories without waiting for direction.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams and newsroom functions.
- A team-first mentality, openness to feedback, adaptability, and a demonstrated commitment to accountability and collective success.
- Proficiency in Spanish, including strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to communicate and research effectively in English.
- A commitment to factual accuracy, fairness, balanced reporting, ethical journalism, and editorial integrity.
- Flexibility and willingness to transition between newscast production, assignment desk responsibilities, and independent field reporting based on editorial priorities and newsroom needs.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
DESIRED SKILL & EXPERIENCE:
- Experience producing local television newscasts and reporting independently as an MMJ.
- Proficiency with newsroom production systems, including iNews or comparable platforms.
- Experience operating professional video cameras, field audio equipment, mobile reporting tools, and nonlinear editing software.
- Strong understanding of live news production, rundown management, and control room coordination.
- Experience with digital-first storytelling, social media publishing, and streaming news content.
- Familiarity with Central Texas communities and issues affecting Hispanic and Spanish-speaking audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to develop exclusive stories, cultivate sources, and generate enterprise reporting.
- Experience covering breaking news, severe weather, elections, and other major local events.
- A degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform newsroom and field-reporting responsibilities, including operating and transporting news-gathering equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to work in various indoor and outdoor environments as required by assignments.
- Ability to work schedules that may include evenings, weekends, or holidays based on newsroom needs.
- Ability to travel locally for field reporting and other newsroom assignments as necessary.
OUR BENEFITS:
TelevisaUnivision believes that a happy, well-balanced employee is what makes our culture thrive. We offer a wide selection of perks and benefits including PTO; tuition reimbursement; wellness and employee support programs; 401K; and life and other insurance plans. This is all in addition to our comprehensive and competitive health benefits package featuring medical, dental and vision coverage options.
TelevisaUnivision is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by law.
ABOUT THE ROLE & TEAM:
Univision Texas Central is looking for a motivated, competitive, and news-hungry Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) and Producer who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative newsroom and is passionate about delivering impactful journalism to our Hispanic communities.
This hybrid role combines strong newscast production skills with the initiative, creativity, independence, and on-air reporting capabilities of a multimedia journalist. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable producing compelling newscasts, developing original stories, and independently reporting from the field. As editorial needs evolve, this individual will also be expected to serve as an on-camera journalist, delivering live and pre-recorded reports, covering breaking news, and developing original stories for broadcast and digital platforms. This role requires someone who can confidently transition between producing behind the scenes and reporting in front of the camera.
We are building a newsroom culture rooted in ownership, accountability, collaboration, curiosity, and a relentless commitment to journalism. We value individuals who take initiative, communicate openly, embrace feedback, support their teammates, and approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.
We believe great journalism is a shared responsibility. Every producer plays an active role in identifying stories, developing sources, verifying information, advancing coverage, and responding to breaking news. We are looking for someone who doesn’t simply wait for assignments but actively seeks opportunities to inform our audience and strengthen our coverage.
Success in this role requires more than technical ability. It requires a team-first mentality, strong editorial instincts, adaptability, and a genuine desire to contribute to a newsroom where everyone is invested in the collective success of our journalism.
YOUR DAY-DAY:
- Produce compelling, accurate, and visually engaging newscasts and/or news content for broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms.
- Identify, pitch, research, and develop original, impactful stories that matter to Hispanic audiences in San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding communities.
- Demonstrate the versatility, confidence, and editorial readiness to transition between newscast production, assignment desk responsibilities, and independent field reporting based on daily newsroom priorities and operational needs.
- Actively contribute to the daily assignment process by monitoring developing news, identifying coverage opportunities, gathering and verifying information, following up on leads, and helping advance stories throughout the day.
- Exercise strong editorial judgment when evaluating story relevance, urgency, impact, and potential for audience engagement.
- Independently report from the field as assigned, serving as a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) responsible for researching, conducting interviews, gathering video and sound, writing scripts, editing packages, and producing complete news stories.
- Deliver live and pre-recorded on-camera reports for newscasts and digital platforms, including breaking news coverage, developing stories, and independently researched enterprise reporting. Be prepared to work in the field without an assigned photographer or additional reporting support when necessary.
- Build and organize rundowns, write compelling scripts, develop effective story treatments, and execute creative showcasing elements that strengthen the newscast.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community members, public officials, organizations, and other sources to generate original reporting and follow-up opportunities.
- Monitor news wires, scanners, social media, competing outlets, and other reliable sources to identify breaking news and developing stories.
- Coordinate closely with assignment editors, reporters, photographers, anchors, producers, and digital teams to ensure effective news gathering, timely communication, and efficient execution.
- Take initiative during breaking news and severe weather coverage, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and supporting newsroom needs in both the field and the control room.
- Identify opportunities to advance stories beyond the initial report by pursuing additional interviews, new angles, accountability questions, and meaningful follow-ups.
- Produce platform-appropriate digital content, including short-form videos, social media updates, and other multimedia storytelling elements.
- Maintain clear and timely communication across shifts, ensuring important editorial developments, pending follow-ups, and coverage needs are properly shared with the next team.
- Contribute actively to editorial meetings by bringing fresh story ideas, informed perspectives, and solutions that strengthen coverage.
- Take responsibility for assigned work from beginning to end, maintaining accuracy, meeting deadlines, communicating challenges, and following through on commitments.
- Demonstrate flexibility and ownership by supporting other newsroom functions when editorial priorities or breaking news demand it.
- Uphold high standards of accuracy, fairness, ethical journalism, and editorial integrity across all platforms.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
YOU HAVE:
- Strong news judgment and a demonstrated passion for local journalism and community-focused storytelling.
- Experience in television news production, multimedia journalism, reporting, or a related newsroom environment.
- Strong writing, research, interviewing, and fact-checking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to independently research, shoot, write, edit, and deliver complete multimedia news stories for broadcast and digital platforms.
- Strong on-camera presentation skills, including the ability to confidently deliver live reports, pre-recorded standups, and breaking news updates.
- Ability and willingness to work independently in the field, including covering breaking news, developing original stories, and reporting without an assigned photographer or additional reporting support.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple responsibilities and meet tight deadlines.
- A proactive, competitive mindset and the initiative to identify, develop, and pursue stories without waiting for direction.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams and newsroom functions.
- A team-first mentality, openness to feedback, adaptability, and a demonstrated commitment to accountability and collective success.
- Proficiency in Spanish, including strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to communicate and research effectively in English.
- A commitment to factual accuracy, fairness, balanced reporting, ethical journalism, and editorial integrity.
- Flexibility and willingness to transition between newscast production, assignment desk responsibilities, and independent field reporting based on editorial priorities and newsroom needs.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
DESIRED SKILL & EXPERIENCE:
- Experience producing local television newscasts and reporting independently as an MMJ.
- Proficiency with newsroom production systems, including iNews or comparable platforms.
- Experience operating professional video cameras, field audio equipment, mobile reporting tools, and nonlinear editing software.
- Strong understanding of live news production, rundown management, and control room coordination.
- Experience with digital-first storytelling, social media publishing, and streaming news content.
- Familiarity with Central Texas communities and issues affecting Hispanic and Spanish-speaking audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to develop exclusive stories, cultivate sources, and generate enterprise reporting.
- Experience covering breaking news, severe weather, elections, and other major local events.
- A degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform newsroom and field-reporting responsibilities, including operating and transporting news-gathering equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to work in various indoor and outdoor environments as required by assignments.
- Ability to work schedules that may include evenings, weekends, or holidays based on newsroom needs.
- Ability to travel locally for field reporting and other newsroom assignments as necessary.
OUR BENEFITS:
TelevisaUnivision believes that a happy, well-balanced employee is what makes our culture thrive. We offer a wide selection of perks and benefits including PTO; tuition reimbursement; wellness and employee support programs; 401K; and life and other insurance plans. This is all in addition to our comprehensive and competitive health benefits package featuring medical, dental and vision coverage options.
TelevisaUnivision is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by law.
See all OPT Journalist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Journalist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Journalist
Target newsrooms with international staff
Large media organizations like national newspapers, wire services, and broadcast networks regularly employ international journalists. These employers already understand visa sponsorship and are far more likely to support an H-1B visa or O-1 visa petition after your OPT period ends.
Document your degree-to-role connection clearly
Journalism qualifies as a specialty occupation because the role typically requires a specific bachelor's degree. In your applications, explicitly connect your journalism or communications degree to the job duties so employers and eventually USCIS see the clear educational match.
Build a portfolio before you apply
Hiring editors evaluate clips first and credentials second. A strong, publicly accessible portfolio of published articles, broadcast segments, or multimedia pieces removes friction from the hiring process and makes sponsorship conversations easier when an employer is already sold on your work.
Start the sponsorship conversation early
Raise visa status during the offer negotiation stage, not after signing. Framing it factually, explaining OPT authorization, the 12-month window, and H-1B eligibility, lets employers plan ahead rather than treating it as a surprise obstacle at the last moment.
Consider niche and trade publications
Specialized outlets covering finance, technology, law, or science often struggle to find journalists with relevant subject-matter knowledge. If your degree or background aligns with a niche, those publications may be more motivated to sponsor you than general-interest newsrooms with larger applicant pools.
Apply to public media and nonprofit newsrooms
Public broadcasters and nonprofit investigative news organizations frequently hire international journalists and tend to have established HR processes for work authorization. Their mission-driven culture often makes them more willing to invest in sponsorship than smaller commercial outlets with tighter margins.
Journalist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a journalism degree satisfy the OPT degree-match requirement for journalist roles?
Yes. Journalism, communications, and mass media degrees directly satisfy the degree-match requirement for OPT because the role and your field of study are clearly connected. If your degree is in a related field, such as political science or English, you can still qualify as long as you can demonstrate the connection to your specific reporting beat or job duties.
Can journalist roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Generally yes, though USCIS scrutinizes journalism petitions more than some other fields. The key is demonstrating that the specific role requires a bachelor's degree in journalism or a directly related field, not just any degree. Roles at major publications with defined editorial specializations tend to hold up better than general staff reporter positions at smaller outlets.
Is STEM OPT extension available for journalism graduates?
No. Journalism, communications, and media studies are not STEM-designated fields, so graduates are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You have a 12-month OPT authorization period. Planning your H-1B sponsorship timeline from day one of employment is critical, since the cap-subject filing window opens each April for October 1 start dates.
Where can OPT students find journalist jobs from employers open to sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters for employers with a history of visa sponsorship. Browsing journalist listings on Migrate Mate gives you a practical head start by surfacing roles at organizations that already understand OPT and are more likely to support an H-1B petition when the time comes.
Can I work as a freelance journalist on OPT?
Self-employment is not permitted on OPT. You must be employed by a qualifying U.S. employer, and the work must be directly related to your degree. Freelance or contract arrangements may also be problematic unless you are on a single employer's payroll. Talk to your DSO before accepting any non-traditional employment structure to confirm it satisfies OPT requirements.