NPR News Now Internship - Fall 2026
Job Description
OVERVIEW
A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.
Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.
Internship Program Duration: October 5th, 2026 - April 16th, 2027
Application Instructions: Applications close on Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 pm ET.
Intro to Position
Tens of millions of listeners tune in to NPR’s Newscasts each week to get the latest news and hear the best of NPR and its member stations’ reporting in five minutes. The Newscast team collaborates with all the news desks, as well as the visual production team, giving the intern exposure to the entire newsroom. A Newscast intern should have a passion for journalism and news across a wide range of topics. The intern will have the opportunity to learn from experienced newscasters on how to adapt stories to short-form. They will assist in newsgathering, cutting tape, pitching stories and writing copy. The intern will have the opportunity to report their own stories and have their work on our air.
This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff is defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.
Responsibilities
Interns will have the opportunity to experience and support the teams’ work in the following areas:
- Assisting NPR anchors, reporters and producers in the formation of news programming
- Learning NPR News’ radio journalism ethical standards and practices
- Developing radio reporting and producing skills in a fast-paced environment that will prepare the intern for careers at NPR member stations and at NPR itself
- Conduct research and interviews with analysts for editors and reporters
- Become proficient in audio cutting and pulling soundbites from live events
- Build out coverage calendar and identify stories to cover
- All work of the intern is to be performed under the close supervision of the Newscast team
A strong internship candidate for this role might have:
Some journalism experience (such as an internship at a local public radio station or a job at a college radio station)
The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.
Qualifications
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented
- Audio cutting experience
- Strong interest in national and international news
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
- Enthusiastic about covering news, especially breaking news
Application Requirements
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Prompt: What do you think about the role of news in today's media landscape? What topics would you prioritize, or even de-prioritize? We would also love to learn where you might bring a particular strength or viewpoint!
Education Requirements
Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship.
Work Location & Requirements
This is an on-site role based in Washington, D.C.
Job Type
This is a full-time, non-exempt internship.
Schedule
This is a full-time internship with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST. The schedule can be modified to experience working with different shifts during the day.
Compensation
Hourly Rate The U.S.-based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.
NPR Benefits: NPR offers interns a robust package of benefits and resources designed to foster their professional development and support their overall well-being. Interns are eligible to make elective contributions to the NPR 403(b) retirement plan. As an intern, you have access to Transit Commuter benefits through HealthEquity, which allow you to set aside pre tax funds for eligible commuting expenses. You are also eligible for membership with the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, giving you access to a range of financial services and resources. At our DC Headquarters, interns enjoy free access to on-site Wellness Center, free fitness center membership, secure bike facilities, garage parking, and onsite cafeteria. Other benefits include the Employee Assistance Program with up to six face-to-face counseling sessions per issue, Global Guardian worldwide assistance, and Business Travel Accident coverage. Additionally, interns working 30 or more hours per week receive holiday pay for 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year and accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period with no waiting period. NPR also supports career growth and work-life balance through professional development opportunities, flexible work hours, and telecommuting options.
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.
#LI-Onsite
NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.
If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to [email protected].
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