Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship

NPR•Columbia, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

NPR's Society & Culture Desk offers news, discovery and analysis of arts and culture to curious audiences on digital, radio, podcasts, social platforms and video. We also cover the many elements of culture—from television, film, music, books, the arts and the internet — to the moments when people come together for shared experiences large and small. We uplift voices and perspectives that enrich and deepen our understanding of today’s cultural conversations. We provide original reporting, insight, context and signature curation initiatives that set NPR apart as a relevant journalism and cultural institution. The Petra Mayer Memorial Fellowship was established in memory of beloved NPR Books Editor Petra Mayer, by her parents, to support fellowships with NPR’s Culture News Team. The Petra Mayer Memorial Fellow will play a vital role in every aspect of our work, while also learning the core tenets of public service journalism, media ethics and multi-platform reporting and producing. Working alongside top professionals in the field, fellows are given real-world, hands-on responsibilities. The fellow will focus their term on Books We Love and the Book of the Day podcast, signature NPR products founded by Mayer. They will also assist reporters with research on critical stories, both long-term projects and breaking news. They will also learn the basics of production by researching and pulling tape, securing rights and excellent audio quality, and by learning to mix pieces featuring varied soundscapes. We will also look to our fellows for assistance in digital production, basic headline writing, creative selection of art and social media promotion. Applications close on Monday, August 31st at 11:59 pm ET.

Requirements

Basic research
Basic reporting and writing
Voracious appetite for books and pop culture
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience

Nice To Haves

Basic radio production (ability to edit would be a bonus)
Intermediate level of social media proficiency
Strong time management

Responsibilities

Production, diversity tracking and research for Books We Love, NPR's annual interactive reading guide
Researching and pulling tape for reporters as well as laying up audio stories and pieces
Producing digital pages for our stories and reviews
Conducting research for critical projects