WDIV Local 4′s internship program: How to apply

Each semester Local 4 offers internships in the newsroom. It’s a wonderful chance to learn the business from the inside by experiencing how a newsroom works in the nation’s 11th largest market. We believe News internships are a valuable supplement to your classroom experience.

Local 4 internships are more journalism-oriented than production-oriented. Interns work in news gathering, however, they are not able to do any hands-on work with equipment. Each intern will go out with a reporter a few times during a semester, but most of the time will be needed inside the newsroom.

The internships are paid positions.

Interns must have a note from their school that confirms they will receive credit for the internship, if accepted.

Here’s what we look for in interns:

  • A compelling interest in news.
  • An avid news watcher/listener
  • Strong journalism skills
  • Previous experience at college or commercial newspapers, radio and television
  • Enthusiasm, assertiveness and willingness to learn

The opportunities for NEWSROOM internships include:

ASSIGNMENT DESK: This is the nerve center of the newsroom. The desk keeps on top of breaking and continuing news stories, assigns and dispatches crews and reporters. Interns on the desk gather news for daily stories, screen incoming news stories for reporters, check in several times daily with police stations for news, watch/listen to other media outlets. If you want to learn how news judgments are made and be in the center of the action, this internship is for you.

SPORTS: This unit is responsible for the sports segment of each newscast. Interns watch sporting events – often multiple events at once – log plays and assist in selecting highlights, monitor sports wires and find file video. This internship is only for hard-core sports fans.

GOOD HEALTH: Work on production of nightly Good Health segments.

SPECIAL PROJECTS: This unit works on news series, documentaries, election coverage and other special events that are not daily breaking news stories. Interns here get an in-depth look at what it takes to develop and research a series. Most of the interns’ time is spent in research, follow-up of story ideas, phone interviewing, logging tapes and assisting a reporter or producer. If you’re a detail person, like to work in-depth on one subject and have good interviewing skills, this internship is for you.

CLICKONDETROIT.COM: This unit is responsible for website news service.

LIVE IN THE D: This is a great opportunity to get experience with a locally produced, award-winning lifestyle program. Interns gain experience in researching, pitching, and producing segments for air. They also write daily articles for ClickOnDetroit.com. In addition to that, they will work with on-air guests both before and after the show to help support a positive experience while appearing on Live In The D. There are also other opportunities to gain experience with field producing live segments and assisting multimedia journalists on shoots. We are looking for someone with a positive attitude who is a self-starter and wants to contribute to the success of the show. This person must be detailed oriented with a passion to learn and grow in the industry while working side-by-side with our team. Send application to Jay Kuhlman jkuhlman@wdiv.com.

While we try to provide a positive learning experience there are some things Local 4 interns are NOT able to do:

  • No on-camera interviews.
  • Will not attend media parties or social events on behalf of Local 4
  • Not prepare a resume tape.

If you have any questions about an internship in the Local 4 News department, please contact:

  • James Jackson (313) 222-0500

CREATIVE SERVICES: Fall and Winter interns assist with coordinating our 4Frenzy contest which includes high school sports, performing arts and academics. Interns write Spotlight Stories featuring students, teachers and coaches. A detail-oriented intern with strong writing skills is who we’re looking for.

Summer interns assist with our Vote 4 the Best contest that includes thousands of Metro Detroit businesses. Interns also help with producing a creative social media campaign for both contests.

APPLY HERE

Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference checks.

GMG/WDIV is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In addition to complying with the requirements of federal law, GMG/WDIV will comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.