The Brian Lehrer Show Internship at WNYC (September-May)
The Brian Lehrer Show Internship at WNYC
The Brian Lehrer Show seeks an intern to join our small team of dedicated live radio journalists. The Brian Lehrer Show is WNYC’s beloved daily news and talk show, on-the-air from 10 to noon, Monday through Friday, and available as a podcast all the time. The show is known for smart and fair interviews, a strong sense of community, and participation on the part of listeners who call-in to engage with Brian Lehrer and guests every day. For New Yorkers and their neighbors interested in local, regional, and global politics, civic affairs, social justice, and more, the show is a must-listen.
Interns at NYPR are given a robust internship program with hands-on responsibilities. The goal of our internship program is to provide our interns with substantive, meaningful work experience so that each intern concludes the internship period with demonstrable skills in his/her area of interest, plus knowledge of public radio, in general.
Responsibilities
- Screening callers during the live broadcast
- Checking in with guests before the show and coordinating with the producers
- Generating and researching show topics to engage the listeners and build community
- Providing research assistance to the host and producers
- Website content maintenance
- Social media outreach
- Performing various menial tasks that are essential to the running of the daily show
- And on occasion, pre-interviewing and booking guests and writing background materials or scripts for host
Qualifications
- Some journalism and office experience is preferred, but not required
- Strong writing skills and a demonstrated attention to detail
- Applicants should be highly motivated self-starters who can work collaboratively in an environment of live news radio
- Applicants should be aware of and curious about news and political affairs in the neighborhoods in the New York area and beyond
- Website production and social media skills are a welcome addition; please note them in your cover letter
Application Requirements
Send us a resume and cover letter. We also ask that you answer the following questions (in your cover letter or as a separate attachment):
- Describe two of your favorite BLS segments, and why you liked them. (Previous shows are archived on the website.)
- Describe a subject area or neighborhood that you think doesn’t get enough coverage on the show.
- Suggest two story ideas for the BLS, from this week’s news. (One short paragraph each) Feel free to suggest a guest or guest.
- What other shows do you listen to / websites do you visit regularly?
Only complete applications will be considered and the deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 20th at 5pm ET.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for an internship at New York Public Radio you must be currently enrolled in, or have graduated no more than 12 months prior to the start of the internship to which you are applying for, from an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
Additional Information
This role is a paid internship with eligibility for college credit. WNYC internships pay $17.50/hour. The internship will commence on September 12th and run through May 5th and interns are expected to work 15 hours per week. The exact schedule and hours will be determined with the finalist.
This internship accepts candidates who will work fully remotely or, if they prefer, in a hybrid (remote/in-person) environment. The intern hiring process will not be impacted by whether or not candidates are interested in the hybrid option.
Candidates who opt for the hybrid (remote/in-person) option must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless NYPR has approved a specific religious or medical exemption in advance of the first day of work. At this time, NYPR defines being fully vaccinated as having received two Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations or one Johnson and Johnson vaccination.
In order to be eligible, you must be authorized to work in the United States and must be working from one of the following locations while working for NYPR: CA, CO, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OR, PA, RI, VA, WI, Washington DC.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
New York Public Radio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continuously strive to place our employees at the center of our thinking and elevate inclusive practices to develop and support a more engaged and productive workforce. Our journalism and operations in the service of that journalism benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds, at all levels of the organization. Diversity is essential to honest, authentic, accurate storytelling and reportage; creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.
Equal Opportunity
New York Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions without regard to mental or physical disability, race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, employment status or any protected federal, state or local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.