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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for News Intern

💰 $15 - $25/hour

MediaJournalismInternship

🎯 Role Definition

A News Intern provides support to journalists, editors, and multimedia teams in a professional newsroom environment. They assist in researching, drafting, and fact-checking stories, gathering multimedia content, and learning newsroom workflows. This role is designed to provide hands-on experience in journalism, editorial practices, and content creation while contributing to the production of accurate and timely news.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Media or Journalism Student
  • High School or College Intern
  • Volunteer Reporter

Advancement To:

  • Junior Reporter / Staff Writer
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Digital Content Assistant

Lateral Moves:

  • Social Media Intern
  • Communications Intern

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct research and gather information for news stories, press releases, and feature articles.
  • Assist reporters and editors in drafting, proofreading, and fact-checking articles for accuracy.
  • Monitor news feeds, social media, and other sources to identify relevant stories and updates.
  • Help maintain newsroom databases, archives, and content management systems (CMS).
  • Attend editorial meetings, taking notes and tracking story assignments and deadlines.
  • Support video, audio, and photography teams by helping capture multimedia content.
  • Assist with transcription, data entry, and content formatting for digital and print publication.
  • Conduct interviews with sources under supervision and document statements accurately.
  • Track emerging trends and industry news to inform editorial priorities.
  • Compile summaries and briefs on breaking news and ongoing stories.
  • Organize and manage press materials, media contacts, and research resources.
  • Review and verify the credibility of sources and information for assigned stories.
  • Collaborate with other interns and staff on special projects or investigative pieces.
  • Support social media teams by drafting posts, monitoring engagement, and tagging content.
  • Update newsroom content on websites and internal platforms with assistance from editors.
  • Assist in developing graphics, charts, or other visual content to accompany stories.
  • Participate in editorial and training workshops to learn newsroom standards and ethics.
  • Handle administrative tasks including scheduling, filing, and email correspondence.
  • Provide support during live events, press conferences, or interviews.
  • Help evaluate audience engagement metrics to support editorial reporting strategies.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute ideas for story angles, multimedia projects, and special features.
  • Assist in the creation of newsletters, briefs, or content digests.
  • Support the newsroom in ad-hoc tasks such as research requests, data collection, and internal reporting.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Basic proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs).
  • Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal.
  • Understanding of journalistic writing, grammar, and AP style guidelines.
  • Basic knowledge of social media platforms for news distribution (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
  • Ability to capture, edit, and organize multimedia content (photos, audio, video).
  • Research and data-gathering proficiency using online databases and archives.
  • Fact-checking and source verification skills.
  • Familiarity with basic SEO principles for digital content.
  • Basic proficiency in media tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or similar.
  • Ability to summarize complex information into concise briefs or reports.

Soft Skills

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Curiosity and a keen interest in current events and news topics.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in reporting.
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills for newsroom environments.
  • Time management and organizational abilities.
  • Creativity and initiative in supporting content creation.
  • Willingness to learn and accept constructive feedback.
  • Professionalism in communication and workplace conduct.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving for research and reporting tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; currently enrolled in college preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • Media Studies
  • Digital Media

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–1 year of internship or volunteer experience in a media or communications environment.

Preferred:

  • Prior coursework or projects in journalism, reporting, or content creation.
  • Experience with multimedia content production or social media management.
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