Fall Paid Intern - News
NPR
Washington, DCThis is a Part Time Paid Internship
OVERVIEW
Internship Program Duration: October 5th, 2026 - April 16th, 2027
Application Instructions: Applications close on Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 pm ET.
Intro to Position
A Newscast intern should have a passion for journalism and news across a wide range of topics. The intern will have the opportunity to learn from experienced newscasters on how to adapt stories to short-form. They will assist in newsgathering, cutting tape, pitching stories and writing copy. The intern will have the opportunity to report their own stories and have their work on our air.
This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff is defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.
Responsibilities
Interns will have the opportunity to experience and support the teams’ work in the following areas:
• Assisting NPR anchors, reporters and producers in the formation of news programming
• Learning NPR News’ radio journalism ethical standards and practices
• Developing radio reporting and producing skills in a fast-paced environment that will prepare the intern for careers at NPR member stations and at NPR itself
• Conduct research and interviews with analysts for editors and reporters
• Become proficient in audio cutting and pulling soundbites from live events
• Build out coverage calendar and identify stories to cover
• All work of the intern is to be performed under the close supervision of the Newscast team
A strong internship candidate for this role might have:
Some journalism experience (such as an internship at a local public radio station or a job at a college radio station)
The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.
Qualifications
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented
• Audio cutting experience
• Strong interest in national and international news
• Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Enthusiastic about covering news, especially breaking news
Application Requirements
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Prompt: What do you think about the role of news in today's media landscape? What topics would you prioritize, or even de-prioritize? We would also love to learn where you might bring a particular strength or viewpoint!
Education Requirements
Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship.
Work Location & Requirements
This is an on-site role based in Washington, D.C.
Job Type
This is a full-time, non-exempt internship.
Schedule
This is a full-time internship with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST. The schedule can be modified to experience working with different shifts during the day.
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.
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Salary/Benefits
$20.00 /hour USD
The U.S.-based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour.
Benefits
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible work hours
• Free access to on-site Wellness Center
• Free fitness center membership
• Garage parking
• Holiday pay for 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year
• Membership with Signal Financial Federal Credit Union
• Sick leave accrual of 3.08 hours each pay period
• Telecommuting options
• Transit Commuter benefits
Perks
• Professional development opportunities
• Work-life balance
Additional Information
NPR is a thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization that produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. Tens of millions of listeners tune in to NPR’s Newscasts each week to receive the latest news and enjoy the best reporting from NPR and its member stations. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility, which are also core principles for our employees. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, including journalism, digital media, IT, and development, and our work touches the lives of millions worldwide. We are committed to building a collaborative workplace where diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is key to our success, with integrity and adherence to ethical standards as fundamental responsibilities for every employee.