Talk Shows Intern

Chicago Public Media•Chicago, IL

2d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Public Media is one of the nation’s largest local nonprofit news organizations. Home to WBEZ 91.5FM, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Vocalo. Chicago Public Media reaches more than 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. As a mission-driven organization, we aspire to be the most trusted news source Chicagoans turn to for understanding the people, events, and ideas shaping our community. We believe independent journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and that access to objective, fact-based news is a right for every citizen. We serve the public interest by creating diverse content that informs and enriches our community, supported by a dedicated staff of approximately 250 professionals. For more information, please see the Chicago Public Media Annual Report . The Opportunity WBEZ's daily talk show(s) are seeking an intern. With mentoring from the show’s senior producer, this intern will help with daily production duties including booking guests, prepping interviews, writing scripts, crafting web stories and engaging audiences on social media. Our live shows air from 5am to 1pm every weekday. Shows are news-driven and audience focused. A typical show breaks down the latest news and dives into topics that matter to listeners' day-to-day lives and into arts and culture. The ideal candidate is curious and team-oriented, avidly consumes local and national news and wants to contribute to the public conversation around important issues of the day in the Chicago region. The Talk Show internship will give any budding producer the technical and editorial skills needed to succeed in radio and journalism. This internship is not coffee runs, busy work, and menial labor. It is an intensive experience where interns learn what it takes to become a top show producer. Our interns graduate with an extensive body of work under their belts. We are located at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. All interns must be able to work from our office and studios at Navy Pier in Chicago a minimum of 2x a week . Chicago Public Media interns gain hands-on experience while working alongside some of the best talent in the business. Our hope is that — after receiving a solid foundation at WBEZ — our interns continue to contribute to public media . A bit about our internship programs: Many, but not all, of our interns have completed college or some other form of education and/or certification in the journalism or media field(s). Many go on to careers in public media or other outlets. Many have found their way back to WBEZ, too. We pay $20/hour, non-negotiable Interns work full time 40 hrs/week Program term is 12 weeks (June 9, 2026 through September 10, 2026) Positions are daytime work hours and on a Monday through Friday schedule, though some flexibility may be possible. What we are looking for our candidates to display in their resumes, cover letters and interview conversations: Knowledge about WBEZ and our mission of serving the community Strong interest in learning and contributing to our mission Curiosity and the willingness to learn Understanding of the value of bringing together diverse perspectives Why WBEZ is part of your career planning in journalism and media Specific skills you want to learn during the internship If applicable, any links to a portfolio of writing samples; audio, video, or multimedia packages; or other completed work that may be relevant to this opening The application deadline is Friday, April 20, 2026. Managers plan to select candidates by early May. Accepted applicants will be required to start training in Chicago on June 9, 2026. Internship ends September 10, 2026. Working at Chicago Public Media At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact. Our culture is one where collaboration, diversity of ideas, and innovation are encouraged. We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, divergent experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace. At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for employees at hire and in the years to come. Our benefits include a competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan. Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team. The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and are not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.

Requirements

Knowledge about WBEZ and our mission of serving the community
Strong interest in learning and contributing to our mission
Curiosity and the willingness to learn
Understanding of the value of bringing together diverse perspectives
Why WBEZ is part of your career planning in journalism and media
Specific skills you want to learn during the internship
If applicable, any links to a portfolio of writing samples; audio, video, or multimedia packages; or other completed work that may be relevant to this opening