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 (the last placements will be for spring 2022). One or two interns will be selected from undergraduate students majoring in Journalism and Media Studies (JAMS) and one intern could be selected from the M.S. in Media Studies Program. Undergraduate and graduate alumni who completed their degrees between May, 2020 and September 2021 are also eligible to apply.
NYPR is beginning a hybrid work environment in Fall, 2021. Interns 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-site schedules will be determined by the department manager. Interested students need to have unlimited access to a working Mac or Windows computer, cellphone, headphones and a reliable internet connection for the days they will be working off-site.
Undergraduate JAMS internships are paid internships that require a commitment of two full days a week during the spring and fall terms, and full-time work 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. Graduate internships are unpaid, but students may receive credit for TREM7769X or TREM7799X, which count toward their degree. Graduate students are eligible to apply for an internship stipend through Brooklyn College's Magner Center.
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, Gothamist, The United States of Anxiety, 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 and listening to The United States of Anxiety via wnyc.org immediately and read The Gothamist at gothamist.com. Really 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 three internships -- be very reflective and selective — these three 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 email to Sandra Lopez-Monalve by Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 11:59p.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 in the subject line of your e-mail to:
Sandra Lopez-Monsalve, Tow/WNYC Internship Coordinator
Department of Television, Radio & Emerging Media
sandra.lopezmonsalve@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 email 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, every session dozens of 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.
- 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.
Because these internships are very competitive, limited appointments are available as workshop periods for students who would like additional help on their application materials. Please carefully prepare drafts of your materials, sign up for a time HERE. "Zoom in" ready to share screen for your appointment. Spend particular time on your pitches and your cover letter and proofread and edit for clarity and grammar (we do not copy edit for you.) For help with your resume, reach out to the Magner Center's excellent resources. Please note that individual review and commentary on your materials is only available via these appointments so plan ahead and take advantage of this opportunity if you want a TREM faculty member to review your materials with you
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