NPR News Now Internship - Fall 2026

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Overview
A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

Internship Program Duration
October 5th, 2026 – April 16th, 2027

Application Instructions
Applications close on Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 pm ET.

Responsibilities
Interns will have the opportunity to experience and support the teams’ work in the following areas:

Assisting NPR anchors, reporters and producers in the formation of news programming

Learning NPR News’ radio journalism ethical standards and practices

Developing radio reporting and producing skills in a fast‑paced environment that will prepare the intern for careers at NPR member stations and at NPR itself

Conduct research and interviews with analysts for editors and reporters

Become proficient in audio cutting and pulling soundbites from live events

Build out coverage calendar and identify stories to cover

All work of the intern is performed under the close supervision of the Newscast team

Candidate Profile
Some journalism experience (such as an internship at a local public radio station or a job at a college radio station) is preferred.

Qualifications

Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment

Detail‑oriented

Audio cutting experience

Strong interest in national and international news

Ability to meet tight deadlines

Enthusiastic about covering news, especially breaking news

Application Requirements

Resume

Prompt: What do you think about the role of news in today's media landscape? What topics would you prioritize, or even de‑prioritize? We would also love to learn where you might bring a particular strength or viewpoint!

Education Requirements
Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the start of the internship.

Work Location & Requirements
This is an on‑site role based in Washington, D.C.

Job Type
Full‑time, non‑exempt internship.

Schedule
Full‑time internship with a standard schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST. The schedule can be modified to experience working with different shifts during the day.

Compensation
Hourly Rate: $20.00 per hour.

Benefits
Interns are eligible for a range of benefits including elective contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan, transit commuter benefits, membership with the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, access to an on‑site wellness center, fitness center membership, bike facilities, garage parking, cafeteria, an employee assistance program, global guardian assistance, business travel accident coverage, holiday pay, sick leave accrual, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and other protected characteristics.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please reach out to employeerelations@npr.org.

You may read NPR’s privacy policy for information on how NPR handles submitted details.

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