WDIV Local 4’s internship program: How to apply

Each semester Local 4 offers internships in the newsroom. It’s a wonderful chance to learn the business from the inside by experiencing how a newsroom works in the nation’s 13th largest market. We believe news internships are a valuable supplement to your classroom experience.

Internship details

Local 4 internships are more journalism-oriented than production-oriented. Interns work in news gathering, however, they are not able to do any hands-on work with equipment. Each intern might be allowed go out with a reporter during a semester, but most of the time will be needed inside the newsroom.

The internships are paid positions.

WDIV Typically Has Three Internship Periods Throughout The Year

• Spring internships typically run from Janaury to May.
• Summer internships typically run from May to August.
• Fall internships typically run from September to December.

These are approximate time periods, and internships might vary.

Internships at WDIV last for 12 weeks, and interns are asked to work as close to 20 hours per week as possible. Interns are not allowed to work more than 20 hours in a week.

The number of interns at WDIV varies for any given period.

Internship requirements

Interns must have a note from their school that confirms they will receive credit for the internship, if accepted. They must also major in a field related to broadcasting or the station’s operations.

Interns must have completed at least their freshman year of college and beat least 18 years of age.

Here’s What We Look For In Interns

• A compelling interest in news.
• An avid news watcher/listener.
• Strong journalism skills.
• Previous experience at college or commercial newspapers, radio and television.
• Enthusiasm, assertiveness, and willingness to learn.
• Additional qualifications based on the specific internship position below.

The Opportunities For Internships Include

Assignment desk (the Content Center)

This is the nerve center of the newsroom. The desk keeps on top of breaking and continuing news stories, assigns and dispatches crews and reporters. Interns on the desk gather news for daily stories, screen incoming news stories for reporters, check in several times daily with police stations for news, watch/listen to other media outlets. If you want to learn how news judgments are made and be in the center of the action, this internship is for you.

Send applications to James Jackson at [email protected] .

Digital (ClickOnDetroit)

Work on Detroit’s No. 1 news website, ClickOnDetroit, and learn how to craft articles, content strategy, social media expertise and more.

ClickOn interns will be asked to create daily vertical and social videos from original content and newscasts. They will also be asked to write articles on news, community, crime, sports, and other topics, as needed.

Interns should also have solid news judgement to help identify original story ideas online and through credible tips.

The ClickOnDetroit internship is an in-person internship that primarily takes place inside the WDIV newsroom.

Send applications to Derick Hutchinson at [email protected] .

Sports

This unit is responsible for the sports segment of each newscast. Interns watch sporting events – often multiple events at once – log plays and assist in selecting highlights, monitor sports wires and find file video. This internship is only for hard-core sports fans.

Send applications to James Jackson at [email protected] .

Health

Work on production of nightly Health segments.

Send applications to James Jackson at [email protected] .

Special projects

This unit works on news series, documentaries, election coverage and other special events that are not daily breaking news stories. Interns here get an in-depth look at what it takes to develop and research a series. Most of the interns’ time is spent in research, follow-up of story ideas, phone interviewing, logging tapes and assisting a reporter or producer. If you’re a detail person, like to work in-depth on one subject and have good interviewing skills, this internship is for you.

Send applications to James Jackson at [email protected] .

Live in the D

This is a great opportunity to get experience with a locally produced, award-winning lifestyle program. Interns gain experience in researching, pitching, and producing segments for air.

They also write daily articles for ClickOnDetroit.com. In addition to that, they will work with on-air guests both before and after the show to help support a positive experience while appearing on Live In The D.

There are also other opportunities to gain experience with field producing live segments and assisting multimedia journalists on shoots. We are looking for someone with a positive attitude who is a self-starter and wants to contribute to the success of the show.

This person must be detailed oriented with a passion to learn and grow in the industry while working side-by-side with our team.

Send application to Steve Ljuljdjuraj at [email protected] .

What this internship will not include

While We Try To Provide a Positive Learning Experience There Are Some Things Local 4 Interns Are NOT Able To Do

• No on-camera interviews.
• Will not attend media parties or social events on behalf of Local 4.
• Will not prepare a resume tape.

How to apply

To Apply For An Internship At WDIV, Email Your Resume, The Internship Application (linked Below), And Any Other Relevant Documents To The Contact Listed For Any Of The Positions Above. Interns Sending In General Applications Should Send Them To James Jackson In The Following Format

Email your resume and any other relevant documents and information to James Jackson at [email protected] , please include which department you’re most interested in the subject line along with “WDIV INTERNSHIP.” (Example: WDIV INTERNSHIP - SPECIAL PROJECTS).

If you have any questions about an internship in the Local 4 News department, please contact:

• James Jackson 313-222-0500

Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference checks.

GMG/WDIV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, GMG/WDIV will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.