Bronstein's career began as a reporter with KQED-TV in San Francisco. He later moved to the "San Francisco Examiner". At the "Examiner", Bronstein specialized in investigations and was a foreign correspondent for eight years. He has won awards for his writing about the Philippines from the Overseas Press Club, Associated Press, the World Affairs Council and Media Alliance. He was named executive editor of the "Examiner" in 1991, having previously served as managing editor for news. Under his service, the "Examiner" circulation declined rapidly, which Bronstein blamed on the afternoon delivery of the paper.