Digital Media-Local History Internship

Internship – Digital Media-Local History 

Full Time, Non-Exempt 

Summer 2024 (May 13 – August 16)

Reports to: Director, Digital Projects

Description of Intern Work Responsibilities/Projects:

Local History interns work within WETA’s Digital Media team to develop content for Boundary Stones, WETA’s local history initiative. Through articles, photos, video and social media, Boundary Stones seeks to highlight the notable events, personalities and happenings that have shaped the Washington, D.C. area’s past. 

Interns’ responsibilities include:

· Brainstorm and pitch article/content ideas for the Boundary Stones website (https://boundarystones.weta.org/)

· Conduct historical research using primary and secondary sources

· Write articles for the Boundary Stones website

· Locate historical photos and videos and determine permissions for use

· Create social media friendly Boundary Stones content such as quizzes and trivia

· Contribute to Boundary Stones social media accounts and participate in larger conversations about local history

· Update the Boundary Stones promotional calendar

· Participate in meetings with the larger Digital Media team

 Learning Objectives:

Expand knowledge of Washington, D.C. area history including racial and class dynamics, notable events,

neighborhood development, influential figures, etc.

· Grow critical thinking skills through thoughtful interrogation of historical sources

· Sharpen writing skills, specifically non-academic, narrative-style prose suitable for a general audience

· Develop a greater understanding of social media voice and techniques by contributing to Instagram, YouTube,

Facebook, etc.

· Become familiar with the world of public media     

Specific Skills Required:

• Must be an active undergrad college student or have graduated within one year
• All Interns must be available to work stateside within the US the duration of the program
• Excellent writing and research skills, careful attention to detail, interest in local history and community.

           
Preferred Major:

• History, English, Museum Studies of Journalism

LOCATION

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations.  We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA.  WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible.  Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships.  WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.