2026 USA TODAY CO. Forward Summer Internship Program, The Statesman Journal, Salem, OR
About The Position
2026 USA TODAY CO. Forward Summer Internship Program, The Statesman Journal, Salem, OR 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 What you’ll do: Gain hands-on experience in: Covering breaking news, sports, features, and politics. Writing headlines, creating social media content, and multimedia storytelling. Photography, videography, and investigative journalism. Participation in training led by veteran journalists on topics like interviewing, writing on deadline, ethics, source development, and open records. 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.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
