Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for News Broadcaster Intern

🎯 Role Definition

The News Broadcaster Intern role is a foundational, hands-on experience designed for aspiring journalists eager to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of television news production. This position is not about fetching coffee; it's a genuine apprenticeship in storytelling, production, and on-air presence. Interns function as integral members of the news team, providing critical support while gaining unparalleled exposure to every facet of a modern newsroom. From the adrenaline of breaking news to the meticulous craft of creating a daily newscast, this role offers a comprehensive learning curve. It is the perfect launchpad for individuals passionate about informing the public, holding the powerful accountable, and mastering the art of broadcast journalism.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Actively enrolled student in a Journalism or Communications degree program.
Recent graduate from a relevant field of study.
Enthusiastic member of a campus newspaper, radio, or television station.

Advancement To:

News Reporter / Multimedia Journalist (MMJ)
Associate Producer / News Producer
Production Assistant / Camera Operator

Lateral Moves:

Digital Content Producer
Social Media Manager for a news outlet

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Actively participate in daily editorial meetings by pitching relevant, well-researched, and localized story ideas.
Assist field reporters and photographers on assignment, helping with equipment setup, conducting interviews, and logging critical information.
Write clear, concise, and engaging news scripts for anchors and reporters, adhering strictly to AP style and tight broadcast deadlines.
Operate the teleprompter during live and pre-taped newscasts, ensuring a smooth and error-free delivery for on-air talent.
Conduct thorough research and perform rigorous fact-checking for developing stories to ensure accuracy and journalistic integrity.
Shoot compelling B-roll and stand-alone video content using professional-grade ENG cameras for use in various news segments.
Perform non-linear video editing, assembling VOs (voice-overs), SOTs (sound on tape), and full news packages using software like Adobe Premiere or Edius.
Monitor a wide array of sources, including police/fire scanners, wire services (Associated Press), and social media, to identify and verify breaking news.
Write and publish complementary news stories and video clips for the station's digital platforms, including the website and mobile app.
Shadow key newsroom personnel, including anchors, producers, and directors, to gain a holistic understanding of the entire broadcast workflow.
Log and transcribe lengthy interviews, press conferences, and other raw footage to assist producers and reporters in the script-writing process.
Contribute to the station's social media presence by creating engaging posts that promote stories and drive audience interaction.
Assist in coordinating and pre-interviewing guests for in-studio segments or remote interviews.

Secondary Functions

Support the assignment desk by making beat calls to law enforcement, fire departments, and other official sources to confirm information.
Provide production support in the studio, which may include running scripts, managing studio floor logistics, and assisting with lighting.
Help maintain the news department’s digital archives and media libraries, ensuring footage is properly labeled and accessible.
Update on-screen graphics, such as lower-thirds and full screens, with timely and accurate information during a newscast.
Answer incoming calls to the news tipline, professionally vetting information and passing credible leads to the assignment desk.
Represent the station at community events or sponsored functions, acting as a professional and approachable brand ambassador.
Assist in gathering user-generated content and securing permission for its use on broadcast and digital platforms.
Participate in training sessions on media law, journalistic ethics, and new technology being implemented in the newsroom.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

AP Style Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to write clearly and accurately for a broadcast audience following Associated Press guidelines.
Non-Linear Video Editing: Hands-on experience with editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or Edius is highly desirable.
ENG Camera Operation: Basic understanding of framing, focus, and audio principles with professional camcorders.
Digital Content Management: Familiarity with posting content to web Content Management Systems (CMS) and major social media platforms (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram).
Teleprompter Operation: Ability to learn and operate teleprompting software with precision and timing.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication: Superior verbal and written skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and professionally.
Composure Under Pressure: The ability to thrive in a high-stakes, deadline-driven environment without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
Inherent Curiosity: A strong "nose for news" and a genuine passion for current events, community issues, and investigative storytelling.
Adaptability and Coachability: A willingness to learn quickly, take constructive feedback, and adapt to the constantly changing needs of a news cycle.
Collaborative Spirit: A team player who can work effectively with a diverse group of producers, reporters, anchors, and photographers.
Unwavering Ethical Judgment: A solid understanding of and commitment to the principles of journalistic ethics and responsibility.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled as a Junior or Senior in, or a recent graduate of, an accredited college or university. Must be eligible to receive academic credit or a stipend as per school/company policy.

Preferred Education:

Working towards or holding a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Journalism (Broadcast or Digital)
Communications or Mass Communication
Media Studies
Political Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-1 years. While no professional experience is required, a demonstrated interest in journalism is essential.

Preferred:

Prior experience with a campus television/radio station, student newspaper, or a previous media-related internship is highly regarded. A portfolio or demo reel showcasing writing, on-camera, or editing work is a significant plus.