Production • Digital • Research • Audience • Social • Graphics — what to expect, how to apply, and how to stand out
United States • Media/TV • ~10–12 weeks (varies by team)
This is your complete playbook for a competitive media internship on a late-night news-comedy program. You’ll learn the tracks that typically hire, the timeline for applications, what a strong reel/portfolio looks like, and how to navigate newsroom etiquette, compliance, and editorial standards. Use the step-by-step checklists to move from curious applicant to confident hire.
Quick snapshot
You’ll gain
- Hands-on production: pre-interviews, research packets, call sheets, greenroom coordination.
- Editorial training: source verification, AP style, fact-checking, standards and practices.
- Portfolio assets: cut-downs, social edits, graphics, pitch memos, or mini-segments (as allowed).
What competitive interns show
- Reel/portfolio with short, punchy samples (30–60 seconds) and clean audio.
- Pitch discipline (tight loglines, angle, target guest, format and beat).
- News sense and ethical judgment (credible sources, context, no lifted jokes).
Important: Titles, departments and pay vary by season; always follow the current official posting for specifics.
Tracks & responsibilities (typical)
Production
Run-downs Call sheets Pre-interviews
Assist segment producers, coordinate schedules, track props/wardrobe, and learn on-set protocols.
Digital/Social
Shorts Cut-downs Thumbnails YouTube/TikTok
Edit vertical clips, write captions, A/B test thumbnails and track watch-through and CTR.
Research
Guest briefs Fact-checking Context
Source credible reports, summarize complex topics, verify claims and prepare background for tape day.
Audience/Studios
Tickets Check-in Warm-ups
Support studio logistics, audience intake, policies and crowd energy.
Graphics
Lower thirds Explainers Charts
Design clean visuals that read at a glance and adhere to brand standards.
Post-Production
Transcripts Time-codes Edits
Log footage, pull selects, prep EDLs, and assist editors on cut-downs.
Timeline (2025→2026 cycle)
| Month | Focus | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Aug–Sep 2025 | Prep & shortlist | Cut your reel to 60–90 seconds; draft 6 sample pitches; update resume/portfolio. |
| Sep–Dec 2025 | Applications | Tailor weekly; answer app questions completely; collect references early. |
| Jan–Mar 2026 | Interviews | Behavioral + skills exercises (edit test, research brief, thumbnail); rehearse STAR stories. |
| Apr 2026 | Offers | Clarify track, manager, schedule, hybrid/remote expectations and pay paperwork. |
| May–Jun 2026 | Onboarding | Security/training, tool access, studio protocols, legal & compliance modules. |
| Jun–Aug 2026 | Internship | Weekly goals, mid-point review, final demo package, permissions for portfolio use. |
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Pick two tracks you can prove with samples (e.g., Digital + Graphics).
- Results-first resume (1 page): 6–8 bullets total; each ends with a metric (CTR, watch-through, views, edits/day).
- Reel/portfolio: 3–5 clips/designs; each with a one-line caption showing role and result.
- Write 6 pitches using logline → angle → why-now → proposed elements.
- Warm intros: message 2–3 alumni per week with a short ask and one sample link.
- Submit weekly (5–8 tailored apps); track stages; respond fast to tests/interviews.
- Prep for skills tests: editing cut-downs, research briefs, thumbnail A/B rationale.
- Offer choice: scope + mentor + learning beats brand alone.
Reel/portfolio that works
Editing/Digital
- Open on your tightest 8–12 seconds (best visual hook, clean audio, on-brand typography).
- Include at least one news explainer (30–60 sec) with captions and fact-checked sources.
- Show a before/after cut-down: what you removed and why it improved watch-through.
Graphics/Design
- Lower-thirds that read at a glance (contrast, hierarchy, safe-title margins).
- Charts that tell a story (highlight the takeaway; no chartjunk).
- 3 thumbnail variants for the same clip; state the hypothesis for each and the winner.
Pitching & writing basics
Comedy writing internships are rare and union-sensitive; most entry roles sit in production, digital or research. Still, you’ll practice pitching:
- Logline first: one sentence with subject, angle and why it’s timely.
- Beat sheet: intro, two beats, button; list proposed assets (B-roll, graphic, guest).
- Standards check: no unverified claims; cite sources; avoid copied jokes; credit inspiration.
Ethics & standards (non-negotiables)
- Verify (2+ credible sources) and contextualize complex topics.
- Disclose conflicts and follow rules on gifts, endorsements and embargoes.
- Respect IP: cleared music, fair-use analysis, and proper attribution.
- Privacy & safety: doxxing, hate speech or harassment = no-go.
When in doubt, ask Standards & Practices. Compliance protects you and the show.
Interview prep (behavioral + skills)
Behavioral
- Six STAR stories: teamwork, ownership, conflict, learning fast, resilience, ethics.
- 60–90 sec answers; end with your impact and one lesson learned.
- Bring a one-page leave-behind with links to your best work.
Skills
- Edit test: justify cuts with data (retention graph, watch-through).
- Research brief: credible sources, context, counter-arguments.
- Thumbnail rationale: show three variants and the hypothesis for each.
Hybrid/remote tips
- Daily status note in the team channel (yesterday → today → blockers), with links to WIP.
- Mid-week sync + Friday demo (screenshare cut-downs or mockups).
- Keep a decision log (one page) for assumptions, edits and approvals.
International applicants (visa notes)
U.S. internships can use F-1 CPT/OPT (during/after study) or J-1 categories depending on school/employer. Check the program’s official posting, confirm with your international office, and follow rules on hours, location and remote arrangements.
FAQs
Is the internship paid?
Many media internships are paid; confirm exact compensation and eligibility in the current posting.
Do I need prior TV experience?
No, but you need proof of craft—tight edits, clean audio, readable graphics, verified research and clear pitches.
How many applications should I submit?
Plan for 20–30 targeted submissions over 8–10 weeks, with weekly networking and practice.
Can I publish work from the internship?
Only with written permission. Keep personal copies of publicly released pieces and obtain approval before posting.
Program details change each year. Always verify on the official internship page.