Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for News Editor Intern
💰 $ - $
JournalismMediaEditorialContent CreationCommunications
🎯 Role Definition
The News Editor Intern supports the editorial team in creating, reviewing, and publishing accurate, engaging, and timely news content. This role involves editing articles, conducting research, fact-checking, assisting with digital content management, and contributing to multimedia news production while gaining professional experience in journalism and media operations.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Journalism or Communications Student
- Editorial Assistant Intern
- Media or Content Production Trainee
Advancement To:
- Junior News Editor
- Digital Content Editor
- Multimedia Journalist
Lateral Moves:
- Social Media Content Coordinator
- Copy Editor or Proofreader
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Edit and proofread news articles, press releases, and feature stories for accuracy, grammar, and style.
- Assist senior editors in reviewing content for clarity, tone, and relevance to the target audience.
- Conduct research and fact-checking to ensure accuracy of published information.
- Support the production of digital and print content, including multimedia elements.
- Assist in writing headlines, summaries, and captions for online and print publications.
- Coordinate with reporters, photographers, and graphic designers to gather content for publication.
- Monitor breaking news and assist in timely updates across platforms.
- Ensure all content adheres to editorial guidelines, company standards, and ethical journalism practices.
- Maintain content calendars and assist with scheduling news stories for publication.
- Prepare drafts and assist with revisions based on editorial feedback.
- Track story performance metrics and assist in reporting insights to the editorial team.
- Assist in maintaining archives of published articles and digital content.
- Participate in editorial meetings and brainstorming sessions for story ideas.
- Support social media content posting and monitoring under supervision.
- Assist in preparing special reports, newsletters, and press kits.
- Help manage incoming story pitches and correspondence with contributors.
- Ensure proper attribution and sourcing for all content used.
- Support multimedia content integration, including video, audio, and graphics.
- Participate in newsroom workflow and assist with production deadlines.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding unpublished stories and editorial strategies.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc content requests and special projects.
- Assist in developing templates and style guides for consistent editorial output.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing and communications, on content initiatives.
- Participate in training and mentorship programs to develop editorial skills.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Strong copyediting and proofreading abilities
- Knowledge of AP style or relevant editorial guidelines
- Experience with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress or Drupal
- Basic understanding of SEO and digital content optimization
- Research and fact-checking skills
- Familiarity with social media platforms and digital publishing tools
- Multimedia content editing (basic video/audio/photo editing)
- Ability to write headlines, summaries, and captions effectively
- Knowledge of newsroom workflow and publication processes
- Data entry and reporting skills for editorial analytics
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Time management and ability to meet tight deadlines
- Critical thinking and editorial judgment
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced newsroom
- Adaptability to rapidly changing news priorities
- Creativity and curiosity for news and storytelling
- Professionalism and ethical integrity in journalism
- Problem-solving and initiative-taking skills
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in Journalism, Communications, or related field
Preferred Education:
- Coursework or certifications in digital media, editing, or content production
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Journalism
- Communications or Media Studies
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 0–1 year of editorial, media, or journalism internship experience
Preferred:
- Prior experience in student publications, freelance writing, or digital content creation