Emerging Journalist Internship

About OPB

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures, business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB's independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

Internship Summary

OPB is committed to creating career pathways for traditionally underrepresented individuals in public media organizations. We offer this opportunity for people who are motivated to lend their unique perspective and life experience to the world of public media. The internship will enable an outstanding individual to spend 10-weeks, full-time in a learning, hands-on environment.

What You'll Do

The Emerging Journalist Intern learns the role of and serves as a Production Assistant for the daily radio show "Think Out Loud" that covers news, politics, culture and the arts.

The intern participates in all phases of the show production process from pitching ideas, planning social media, and booking the live show itself. The show's producers and host are respected public media professionals who are excited to share their craft and experience with an intern. The intern receives a rich, comprehensive experience to help springboard their career in journalism through gaining hands-on experience. The selected intern will also receive membership in professional organizations for mentorship and learning. The internship offers a valuable opportunity to build a portfolio, network, and learn in a fast-paced newsroom environment.

Working Conditions

Most work is done in office, studio or other indoor location. The work may require travel to remote locations, working evening, weekends and/or starting the work day early, and possibly working in inclement weather. Moving equipment up to 20 pounds is sometimes required. Extended periods of sitting or standing may be necessary.

• Work environment: Most work is done in office, studio or other indoor location. The work may require occasional travel to remote locations, possibly during inclement weather.
• Schedule: General schedule is 8:30am-5:00pm (8 hours plus 30 minute lunch break), and typically works Monday-Friday. Some weekend, evening, or earlier morning work may be required to cover news events.
• Physical demands: Moving equipment up to 20 pounds is sometimes required. Extended periods of sitting or standing may be necessary.
• Travel: Regional and state travel occasionally necessary to cover news events.
• Driving: Driver's license is not required, but no access will be given to OPB fleet vehicles without a driver's license.

Eligibility

This paid journalism internship is designed for individuals who have a strong interest in media and journalism and don't come from a traditional journalism background, but would like to jumpstart a career in journalism and media. We would like this person to come from a background or community that isn't covered by most legacy media organizations (HINT: this would be a great topic to expand upon in a cover letter!), but it is not a requirement. Our interns must be strong journalistic writers, and have a vision for what they would like to be doing in media.

Applicants should have a strong interest in the future of public media, evolving forms of mass communication, engineering new forms of multimedia journalism as well as a commitment to news that serves the public interest.

Additional Information

• This position reports to the Senior Producer of Think Out Loud.
• The pay rate for this nonexempt position is $19.23 per hour and is not benefits eligible.
• Starts: June 2027. Ideally on June 14th 2027 to join a cohort of interns joining us in the summer
• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Duration: 10 weeks.

How to Apply

• Visit https://www.OPB.org/careers and click on the Emerging Journalist Internship position.
• Click "Apply" at the bottom of the screen.
• You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume, and answer a few position-related questions.
• Be sure to include a letter that includes sharing your professional goals and how this internship can support you advancing them.
• If you have any trouble with your application, please reach out to hr@opb.org.
• The deadline for your application is 8:59pm Pacific Time on Friday, November 6th 2026.

OPB is an equal opportunity employer