Talk Shows Intern

Overview

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. We are a 100% community-funded newsroom powered by nearly 97,000 members. We believe independent journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and serve the public interest with a team of approximately 250 professionals.

For more information, please see the Chicago Public Media Annual Report.

WBEZ’s daily talk show(s) are seeking an intern. With mentoring from the show’s senior producer, the intern will assist with daily production duties including booking guests, prepping interviews, writing scripts, crafting web stories, and engaging audiences on social media. Live shows air from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays. Shows focus on news-driven topics and issues relevant to listeners’ day-to-day lives and to arts and culture.

The ideal candidate is curious, team-oriented, and avid about local and national news, and wants to contribute to public conversation around important issues in the Chicago region. The internship provides technical and editorial training to succeed in radio and journalism. It is a substantive program that results in a substantial body of work.

Location:

Navy Pier, Chicago, IL. All interns must be able to work from our office and studios at Navy Pier in Chicago a minimum of 2x per week.

• Pay: $20/hour (non-negotiable).
• Program term: 12 weeks (June 9, 2026 through September 10, 2026).
• Work schedule:
  
  Daytime, Monday through Friday; some flexibility may be possible.

• Knowledge about WBEZ and our mission of serving the community.
• Strong interest in learning and contributing to our mission.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Commitment to diverse perspectives and inclusive storytelling.
• Interest in how public media fits into your journalism and media career planning.
• Specific skills you want to learn during the internship and, if applicable, links to a portfolio of writing samples, audio, video, or multimedia work.

Application details:
The Final date to receive applications is Friday, March 20, 2026. Managers plan to select candidates by early May. Accepted applicants will start training in Chicago on June 9, 2026, with the internship ending September 10, 2026.

We care deeply about our employees and believe that attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, diversity of ideas, and innovation. We provide a broad benefits package including medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer
:
Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.

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.