The WPRI/WNAC TV internship program provides college students interested in communications with a unique opportunity to work at WPRI 12, FOX Providence, The CW Providence, and myRITV’s various departments including 12 News, The Rhode Show and WPRI Media. The hands-on learning experience allows students to get an in-depth look into the field of broadcast from an array of perspectives and challenges students to use their knowledge and gain skills in an applied industry setting.
Many students from the program have gone onto advanced pursuits in broadcast media and have found that their internship experience at WPRI/WNAC TV has further prepared them for their career endeavors.
Deadlines for all internship applications are as follows:
Fall semester internships – July 15
Spring semester internships – November 15
Summer internships – April 15
CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE:
- Interns must be full-time students of a college or university either in or entering into their junior or senior year and receiving academic credit for their internship assignment.
- Internships are unpaid and all interns must provide a letter from their academic advisor certifying they are a junior or senior and will be receiving academic credit for their internship.
- Interns need to set up an hourly schedule in advance with their supervisor that will sufficiently meet their school’s required credit hours.
- Interns are to perform the duties and responsibilities outlined in the internship descriptions and other tasks as assigned by their supervisors.
Within the WPRI/WNAC television station and 12 News newsroom, we have several specialized internship positions available for candidates with specific interests and backgrounds. When applying, please indicate if you are particularly interested in the following:
- NEWS INTERN – As a News Intern, you’ll not only get an inside look at how we gather news and produce newscasts, you will help make it all happen! Learn firsthand how a news story gets on television. As a Newsroom Intern, you will work one on one with the news staff — including photographers, video editors, video journalists, reporters, producers, and assignment editors. You’ll see what happens behind the scenes when there’s breaking news! Interns are expected to keep a working knowledge of current events and be eager to get involved in the newsgathering process. You will earn a great base of skills for an entry-level television newsroom position.
- DIGITAL INTERN – Work within the digital department on development and maintenance of station’s websites and digital products – wpri.com, our apps and social media. You’ll work side by side with an award-winning team of professionals on what the Associated Press has called “The Best Television Website” for several years running. As digital intern you will assist in writing local articles for our websites, mobile and digital products, shooting video and/or photographs for the website, editing and preparing news video for digital display using Adobe Premiere and other video tools, social media, news gathering supplemental digital content, design and feature suggestions (and possibly creation) for sites and miscellaneous administrative functions. The position offers exposure to local television news production, website production, new technology, advertising sales and television station promotion.
- PHOTOJOURNALISM INTERN – Photojournalism interns will have the opportunity to experience the various aspects of newsgathering in the field alongside our news photojournalism staff. Candidates for this internship should have an expressed interest in videography, video editing and journalism. Hands-on experience shooting and editing video is required. You will learn how to apply creative and technical skills in a practical, real-world environment – from basic news shooting techniques to meeting intense deadlines. In addition to the technical and creative aspects, journalistic ethics are tightly woven into the role of a TV news photojournalist. Interns will have the opportunity to take part in the newsgathering process and closely observe the operation of specialized broadcast vehicles and IP-based live broadcast equipment.
- METEOROLOGY INTERN – Work along with the Meteorologist on duty during days or evenings under the time constraints of the upcoming newscast. The duties of this position will include using the weather computers to access and analyze raw data and prepare daily forecasts under the supervision of the Meteorologist on duty. The student will also gather weather information, learn to interpret satellite and radar information and possibly help to forecast hurricane and severe weather. The Meteorologist Intern may also build on-air computer graphics, update our online/mobile sites and help with social media updates. Additionally, the student may have the opportunity to go out on a weather/science-related news story to see how a news report is created.
- SPORTS INTERN – Work under the supervision of the Sports Director, learning to write scripts, produce, and edit for nightly sportscasts. The intern will also chart games, select sound bites for stories and pitch story ideas. Local sports knowledge is a must. Duties will be performed in the newsroom and out in the field. Shifts may include nights and weekends.
- THE RHODE SHOW INTERN – The Rhode Show looks for hard-working interns for the innovative morning show on WPRI 12. You must be interested in new trends, local happenings, entertainment, lifestyle, cooking, technology, and FUN. You’ll assist in segment planning and shoots, greeting guests, prop setup, and adding web content. As an intern, you’ll also have opportunities to assist at promotional events.
- WPRI MEDIA SALES & MARKETING INTERN – WPRI Media is the stations’ market leading group of dedicated local advertising and marketing professionals that work to help local businesses and organizations achieve the most cutting-edge, value-oriented, and effective solutions and strategies. Work alongside and learn from the most experienced and passionate group of local marketing solutions experts.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Candidates for internships are responsible for selecting the department in which they’d like to intern. Please include your first and second choices in your cover letter.
To apply, please go here and complete the application as well as include cover letters, resumes, and academic credit letters:
*Please note that your application will not be considered complete until we receive all of the required materials.
*If you are being considered for an internship, you will hear from us to schedule an interview either by phone or email. Please be advised that because of the highly competitive process, it is not possible for us to offer internships to every student, but we do our best to place qualified students and may keep your application on file for future semesters.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you to reach your academic and professional goals.
