News (Journalism) Internship

St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU (STLPR) is proud to offer college students and graduates the opportunity to spend a semester at the St. Louis region's National Public Radio (NPR) member station. The staff at STLPR strives to make our internship program meaningful, productive, inclusive, and above all, educational.

Internships are paid temporary positions through the University of Missouri – St. Louis and are therefore subject to a background check. Internships require a time commitment of 15-25 hours per week (with options for additional hours), and are eligible for college credit.

The St. Louis Public Radio internship program is open to anyone with college experience. You do not have to be a current student to apply. Email Jess Luther at jluther@stlpublicradio.org with questions.

Excellent writing skills, basic typing proficiency and basic computer skills, and availability of 15-25 hours per week. The student should be articulate enough to conduct interviews over the telephone or in-person. Minimum ability to use broadcast equipment is important. Approval from the St. Louis Public Radio Executive Editor.

The intern will learn to record and playback on the digital recording medium; learn basic editing skills in digital media; be taught broadcast style writing; learn to write and read a newscast to time; go out with a reporter to a press conference at least once during the semester; learn how to update the news page on the St. Louis Public Radio website; incorporate their writing, producing, and broadcasting skills into their final project. Advanced interns will learn how to conduct telephone interviews and to produce them. The intern may be asked to conduct interviews in the field or to attend news conferences. Throughout the semester, the intern may also be asked to assist anchors in producing newscasts.

Evaluation of the intern will occur in accordance with guidelines of his or her school. Considerations will include production skills (microphone techniques, sound quality, editing, etc.), writing ability (structure of the story, attribution of facts, objectivity, and liveliness of the writing), willingness to follow direction, efficient use of time, self-motivation and initiative, and accuracy and attention to detail. A final evaluation will be held at the end of the semester.