Chicago Public Radio Internships

Production Intern: Vocalo.org

:Vocalo.org is a new interactive web community and radio station serving the Lake Michigan region. The broadcast day combines short, listener-generated talk and music pieces with commercial music and audio created by staff producers who also act as on-air hosts.

This innovative format rejects set shows in favor of an ever-changing line-up of short pieces that are also available on-demand at the website. It creates a broadcast day with a fast-paced, eclectic mix of content to satisfy a broad audience.

Get a feel for the Vocalo sound - check out www.vocalo.org

Responsibilities include: researching story, interview and sonic opportunities, collecting field recordings and conducting interviews, trolling the web site for user generated content, editing and mixing audio, assisting Host Producers with broadcasts by co-hosting on-air, assembling play-lists, and operating the mixing board. Vocalo.org interns are trained and supervised by experienced educators and producers.

Internship candidates must have knowledge of Chicago or Northwest Indiana, familiarity with digital audio editing and field recording, be self-starters, and be comfortable working independently as well as under the close supervision of Host Producers and the Content Director.

Opportunities exist for those with special skills in writing, acting, comedy, music, web development and community organizing.

Interns must be available to work two-to-three days per week.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit audio samples or YouTube links of their work with their applications.

Summer Term Available.

Research Intern: Chicago Matters Series

Chicago Matters is an annual multi-media public information series. In partnership with WTTW TV, the Chicago Public Library, and The Chicago Reporter.

The topic for 2008 is sustainability and regional development. Interns will work closely with producers to gather background materials and research story ideas for the series. Interns will also play an active role in helping to organize any community forums or public events related to the series, and in other promotional/outreach activities.

Responsibilities will include: researching stories, fact checking, and daily administrative and organizational tasks, including posting of content on the series Web site. There will be opportunities to work with reporters and producers on gathering sound and editing audio for series features.

Interns should have research skills and be comfortable using Microsoft Excel. Strong organizational skills and an interest in environmental issues and their impact on local communities a plus. Students enrolled in an Urban Planning program are strongly encouraged to apply.

A $2000 stipend is paid for by a generous grant from The Chicago Community Trust.

Deadlines for this Internship

Spring Internship: Mid March 2008 – May 2008
• (application deadline Feb 22nd)

Summer Internship: June 2008 – August 2008
• (application deadline April 11th)

Fall Internship: September 2008 – November 2008
• (application deadline April 11th)

Interns must be available 15-20 hours a week.

Production Intern: Sound Opinions

Sound Opinions interns are involved in all facets of producing the one hour weekly music talk show. The goal is to provide interns with a hands-on experience on a weekly radio program, helping them cultivate skills for a job in the broadcast field and/or music journalism.

Responsibilities will include: assisting in the conception and development of program segments, researching information, digitally editing segments and on-air promos, assisting the producers, hosts and guests during tapings, assisting in the maintenance of the show’s archive, and assisting in the broadcast and podcast of the program. Interns will also have the opportunity to work on the show’s website and live events.

Internship candidates must have an interest in music and music journalism. A media background, writing skills and exposure to digital audio editing is a plus. Independent workers and analytical thinkers are encouraged to apply. Applicants for this internship must include a writing sample or demo CD.

Interns must be available to work three days a week for three months.

Public Affairs: News Desk

News Desk interns receive mentoring and training from editors, anchors, reporters, and news producers to help generate material for “drive time” local newscasts. This internship will provide hands-on experience in a fast paced, major market newsroom, and help interns cultivate skills for a job in broadcast journalism.

Interns will have the opportunity to cover press conferences, write spot news scripts, and gather audio that will be broadcast during our morning and afternoon local newscasts. Interns will also be involved with researching, contacting news sources, fact checking, as well as posting news content to the Web site. As part of their final project, interns will have to opportunity to produce a news feature.

Ideal candidates have some form of journalism experience (print backgrounds welcome), strong writing skills, a passion for news, and the ability to work under frequent and tight deadlines. Experience with digital audio or video editing a plus.

Only five interns are placed in the News Desk per year. Each internship slot is six months long. Due to the breaking news nature of this internship, there is a four day a week commitment during normal business hours.

Spring/Summer 2008 Slot available (Late March through August).

Summer/Fall 2008 Slot available (June through December).

Production Intern: Eight Forty-Eight

Eight Forty-Eight interns are involved in all facets of producing the daily news magazine. The goal is to provide interns with a hands-on experience on a daily talk radio program, helping them cultivate skills for a job in the broadcast field.

Intern tasks include: assisting in the conception of program segments, booking guests for segments, researching information, gathering audio tape, digitally editing segments, creating program rundowns, assisting the director during the live broadcast, and making audio copies of stories and shows for guests.

Knowledge of Chicago’s history, current events, and culture is required. A journalism background (or the intention of a career in journalism or documentary work) is desirable. Experience at university radio stations or a campus newspaper is helpful. Self-starters and critical thinkers are encouraged to apply.

Interns must be available to work four to five business days a week for three months.

Spring Term