John DiStaso Political Fellowship
About The Position
The John DiStaso Political Fellowship is a one-semester paid position at Hearst ABC affiliate WMUR-TV in Manchester, NH. Our Fellow will work closely with members of our political team on several projects including daily political coverage, our 2022 and 2024 election-related coverage, and our weekly political show, “CloseUP”. The Fellowship will be awarded to a motivated junior or senior in college who is interested in pursuing a career in political journalism. John DiStaso was the most experienced political journalist in New Hampshire. He was often referred to as the “dean” of New Hampshire’s political press corps. John died from complications of pancreatic cancer on April 21, 2022, at the age of 68. Throughout his career, DiStaso interviewed four sitting presidents and countless presidential candidates while covering 11 New Hampshire primaries. John spent much of his career working for New Hampshire’s largest newspaper, “The Union Leader”. He spent the last seven years of his career working for WMUR, where he wrote daily for WMUR.com regularly breaking stories. He also often appeared on WMUR-TV to provide analysis for political stories. In this political fellowship, you’ll play a meaningful role on the experienced political team of WMUR. You’ll follow in John’s footsteps working on daily political coverage. You’ll learn from John’s enduring legacy, as well as the experienced political team at WMUR to gain the knowledge and experience to launch a successful career in political journalism.
Requirements
- Working toward a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Journalism, Communications or a related degree
- Experience in journalism through internships or college media
- Goal to work in the field of journalism
- Excellent writing and research skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Deadline driven
- Willingness to work various shifts including nights, weekends and holidays
- Strong academic record
- Two recommendations from faculty or internship supervisors
Responsibilities
- Work closely with members of the political team on several projects
- Daily political coverage
- 2022 and 2024 election-related coverage
- Work on the weekly political show, “CloseUP”
Benefits
- Paid position
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
