Tow/WNYC Internships
Thanks to a generous grant from the Tow Foundation, the Department of Television, Radio & Emerging Media has been sending interns to WNYC/New York Public Radio during the fall, spring, and summer terms for three academic years. We now seek internships for the last year of this prestigious program. One or two interns will be selected from undergraduate students majoring in Journalism and Media Studies (JAMS) for placement in the WNYC newsroom's Race and Justice Unit or The Gothamist. Undergraduate alumni who completed their degrees in May 2021, September 2021, December 2021, or are graduating in May 2022 are also eligible to apply. Internships begin on June 6, 2022 and end on August 12, 2022.
NYPR is continuing in a hybrid work environment in summer 2022. Internships will be expected to work some days of the week on-site at the WNYC studios at 160 Varick St. and some days at home. Weekly on-site vs. off-sit schedules will be determined by the department managers. Appropriate work-from-home equipment will be provided for anyone who needs it.
The Tow/WNYC JAMS internships are paid internships that require a commitment of 35 hours a week over the summer. JAMS students can earn credit for TREM4177 if they require the internship course for graduation but students and/or alumni do not have to be enrolled in an internship class to do the internship.
Internship Opportunities
Tow Foundation/WNYC/Brooklyn College JAMS Internships are available in the following WNYC/NYPR areas:
Application Guidelines: Review and Follow Carefully
Familiarity with WNYC and NYPR programming is required in order to be a viable candidate. WNYC is a flagship station of National Public Radio and is different from commercial radio and podcasts. If you are not a regular WNYC listener, begin tuning into 93.9FM/820AM. Acquaint yourself with their offerings and to determine if you think this would be a good fit for you.
Specific information about the individual placements, including the application materials required, are detailed within each internship opportunity (see above links.)
Students may apply to only one of the two internships -- be very reflective and selective — these placements represent very different foci and storytelling/career trajectories, and each requires a separate set of very specific and focused application documents.
Application Process and Deadline
Completed applications are due via e-mail to Dr. MJ Robinson by Friday, April 22, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Attach all required documents to the same e-mail and note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Include the name of the specific WNYC internship to which you are applying (WNYC newsroom or Race and Justice Unit) in the subject line of your e-mail to:
Dr. MJ Robinson, Tow/WNYC Internship Coordinator
Department of Television, Radio & Emerging Media
mj.robinson29@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Applications for these internships are first vetted by the TREM Department's Tow/WNYC Internship Selection Committee. Semifinalists are forwarded to the WNYC internship coordinators, who will then contact applicants directly for interviews. Only finalists will be contacted via e-mail and/or phone call for interviews.
Helpful information about application materials - cover letters, resumes and pitches
“WNYC 93.9 FM and AM 820 are New York City's flagship public radio stations, broadcasting the finest programs from NPR, American Public Media, Public Radio Exchange and the BBC World Service, as well as a wide range of award-winning local programming.” wnyc.org/about
As such, many strong candidates apply to these internships. Make sure your application is clean, concise, and reflects who you are. Here are a few pointers to consider:
- Review the descriptions of the internships and their duties carefully before selecting the one for which you wish to apply - they are substantially different.
- Check your grammar, punctuation, and overall writing. Typos can move your application to the “No, thanks” pile.
- Do your research and make sure you understand WNYC/NYPR and the area to which you want to apply. Listen to and read their content. Show that you have been paying attention.
- Be authentic, show your work, and use your voice! (Don’t customize random online cover letters please.)
- Don’t repeat your résumé on your cover letter. Use the letter to tell us what makes you a good candidate for this placement and make WNYC/NYPR specific arguments.
- Answer all the questions requested for the specific application.
- Remember that WNYC covers New York City and New Jersey. Your pitches should take that into consideration. Think about neighborhood based coverage, local issues. What fresh take can you offer on your pitches?
- Communicate with evidence why you want this internship -- what will you bring to the table and what do you hope to learn?
- Demonstrate that you can do independent work.
For help with your resume, we encourage you to reach out to Brooklyn College's Magner Center's excellent resources.
