2026 USA TODAY CO. Forward Summer Internship Program, The Statesman Journal, Salem, OR

USA TODAY Co. • Salem, OR

6d • $18

About The Position

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com
2026 USA TODAY CO. Forward Summer Internship Program, The Statesman Journal/, Salem, OR
The Statesman Journal/smanjournal.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK is offering paid journalism internships to college students and recent graduates at newsrooms nationwide. The summer internships are for candidates interested in any of the following career paths: reporting, producing, social media, photography or videography.
This posting is for candidates interested in the following site:
The Statesman Journal/, Salem, OR
Salem is located between the Oregon Coast and Cascade Mountain ranges in the mid-Willamette Valley, famed for its agricultural land including hundreds of vineyards and wineries. The capital city is about one hour south of Portland, one hour north of Eugene and an hour west of the stunning Oregon Coast.
Who can apply:
College juniors and seniors
Recent graduates
Graduate students
Program details:
Duration: 10 weeks (The internship start date is flexible to accommodate school end and start dates.)
Hourly Rate: $18.00
Hours: 40 hours per week
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Requirements

• Degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a communications or journalism program at a college or university.
• Students must have completed one year of college. Preference given to more advanced students.
• Those who have completed undergraduate work, are in graduate programs or are recent graduates are also eligible.
• Must be able to develop and maintain relationships with public figures within the communities/school districts of coverage.
• Strong command of AP style, spelling and grammar.
• Solid factchecking and reporting skills.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented and flexible.
• Open to new ideas, new experiences and learning on the job.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience performing a wide variety of tasks under the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Tackle daily assignments that could include reporting on breaking news, local government, business and economic development and community events.
• Must be able to generate story ideas.
• Gather information from sources at any locations and through any means commonly available for news stories.
• Interview subjects in-person, over the telephone or in writing via various platforms.
• Travel quickly to wherever the news occurs or is being disseminated.
• Research written materials, graphics and photographic materials, as well as audio and video recordings.
• Quickly and accurately report information, either orally or electronically, for publication.
• Shoot production-quality photographs (could be on a smart phone) that would be helpful in supporting stories.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed