KPFA NEWS REPORTER INTERNSHIP
We are conducting hybrid news reporter training remotely and in person. You can join the KPFA News Department as a volunteer or unpaid intern and help provide critical reporting.
Your stories will air on the nightly Pacifica Evening News at 6 PM, which is also broadcast (in part) on KPFK Los Angeles, on KFCF in Fresno and other community radio stations.
WHAT WE TEACH:
- How to record audio interviews, press conferences and hearings remotely, from the station and at home using your computer.
- How to write for broadcast.
- How to produce finished reports from the station and your home in your own voice and submit them for broadcast electronically.
- How to do field reporting using techniques to keep you and the people you interview as safe as possible.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- A working computer that you will use to download audio software, edit, record and write.
- An ability to do at least limited technical problem solving when things go wrong.
- No previous journalism experience required, but you must be good writer.
COMMITMENTS WE REQUIRE:
- You should be available to work at least one weekday (or more) while training. Once trained, you can transfer to the weekend to report. We ask for a total commitment of six months.
We accept applications on a rolling basis. To apply, click HERE to complete an application form, then email a writing sample to [email protected] with the subject line “KPFA News Reporter Internship.”
For more information email [email protected] or call 510 848 6767 ext 228.
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Internships: KPFA’s “UpFront”
**Note: We suspended the on-boarding of new UpFront interns during the pandemic, and are now reviewing applications for internships starting in early 2022. We’re unsure if we’ll have returned to in-person work by then, but would like you to be available to work from our studios in downtown Berkeley if we have**
The Show
UpFront is a fast-paced magazine-format public affairs program covering local, state, national, and international news developments. It broadcasts on the San Francisco Bay Area’s KPFA-FM weekday mornings from 7:AM to 9:AM.
The Work
Interns become a part of our production team: they contribute ideas during editorial meetings; conceptualize, research, and prepare segments; book guests, gather audio, and edit recorded material; post website descriptions and update social media accounts.
What You Get
We train interns on some technical skills (line production, audio editing) on an as-needed basis. Aside from that, you’ll learn how a daily radio program gets put together—by actually doing it. We’re a small staff, so we give interns more responsibility than most organizations. We’re committed to the personal growth of our interns: we’ll give you regular feedback and advice on your work.
KPFA’s training programs are well-respected at news organizations around the Bay Area, as this is where many of their staff started. This internship is also an excellent entrée to further work with KPFA.
What You Don’t Get
Money
What We Require
Good writing skills, communication skills, and computer skills.
What We Like
Some previous experience with journalism or radio production. If you have experience using field-recording equipment, we may send you out on assignment from time to time. If you’re primarily interested in field reporting, however, we encourage you to pursue the 6-month KPFA News Training Program.
We are particularly interested in interns who will expand the breadth of UpFront’s coverage by bringing their own background knowledge and community contacts to editorial discussions. Women, People of Color, LGBTQ and formerly incarcerated persons strongly encouraged to apply
What You Commit To
At least three days per week (24 hours) for at least 10 weeks, or at least two days per week (16 hours) for at least four months. Most of our work happens during business hours. However, you may have to field returned calls and emails from sources after hours.
How To Apply
Submit cover letter and résumé to [email protected] with the word “INTERNSHIP” on the subject line.
Students seeking Summer internships should apply by February 1. All other applications are considered on a rolling basis.
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Operations Department Internship Program
The KPFA Operations Department Internship Program is a 6 month program designed to train individuals interested in producing radio and podcasts. Interns will learn and apply the skills of multitrack digital audio editing, engineering studio recordings, media management, website and social media content posting and promotion, line producing, board operating live and pre-recorded programs.
Internship session: TBD
Commitment: 12 hours per week, 2 days a week.
- Day 1: 10am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
- Day 2: 10am-4pm Friday – Program meeting, radio and podcast production training.
For more information click here
To apply: Contact operationstraining@kpfa.org with cover letter and resume by date TBD. Please use “KPFA Operations Department Intern Applicant” in the subject heading of your email.
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