Talk Shows Intern

About Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is one of the nation’s largest local nonprofit news organizations. Home to WBEZ 91.5FM, the Chicago Sun‑Times, and Vocalo, we reach more than 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. As a mission‑driven organization, we aspire to be the most trusted news source Chicagoans turn to for understanding the people, events, and ideas shaping our community.

We are 100% community‑funded, powered by nearly 97,000 members whose support makes our journalism possible and has earned 29 awards in 2025 from the Public Media Journalists Association, the Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the National Association of Black Journalists.

WBEZ’s daily talk show is seeking an intern. Under mentoring from the senior producer, the intern will support daily production duties including booking guests, prepping interviews, writing scripts, crafting web stories, and engaging audiences on social media. Shows air from 5 am to 1 pm every weekday, breaking down the latest news and exploring topics that matter to listeners’ day‑to‑day lives and culture.

The internship focuses on technical and editorial skills for radio and journalism, providing an intensive experience that prepares interns for top show producer roles.

All interns must be able to work from the WBEZ office and studios at Navy Pier in Chicago a minimum of two days a week.

• Many interns have completed college or other education in journalism or media.
• Interns often go on to careers in public media or other outlets; many return to WBEZ.
• We pay $20 per hour, non‑negotiable.
• Interns work full time, 40 hours per week.
• Program term: 12 weeks (June 9, 2026 through September 10, 2026).
• Positions are daytime, Monday through Friday, with possible flexibility.

• Knowledge about WBEZ and our mission to serve the community.
• Strong interest in learning and contributing to our mission.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Understanding of the value of diverse perspectives.
• Why WBEZ is part of your career planning in journalism and media.
• Specific skills you hope to learn during the internship.
• Any links to a portfolio of writing samples, audio, video, multimedia packages, or other completed work relevant to this opening.

The Final date to receive applications is Friday, April 20, 2026. Managers plan to select candidates by early May. Accepted applicants will start training in Chicago on June 9, 2026, and the internship ends September 10, 2026.

We care deeply about our employees and foster a culture of collaboration, diversity of ideas, and innovation. We support our staff and families with a broad benefits package and strive to enhance impact through talent development.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan.

Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and welcomes people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences. The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and are not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.