WISN Fall Intern

WISN-TV offers paid internships for 10-12 weeks in various departments. To apply, include a cover letter specifying the semester (Spring, Summer, or Fall), department preference, available start and end dates, and days/hours available.

Application Deadlines: Fall – August 31

Requirements

• Candidate must be a Junior or Senior with a declared major in a related field (e.g., Broadcast Communications, Journalism, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Meteorology, Sports, Technical, Creative Services, or Production).
• Intern must receive credit from an accredited college, university, or trade school.
• Written verification of enrollment is required from the institution.

Available Internships

Newsroom

• Rotate through the assignment desk, assisting in gathering news and information, including taking/placing calls, research, scheduling, and organizational tasks.
• Practice writing and formatting scripts for broadcast in TV news production.
• Spend time in a news satellite or microwave van during live news reports.
• Research and write content for WISN digital platforms (WISN app, WISN.com, and social media).

Creative Services

• Attend news and department meetings to discuss daily topics and performance goals.
• Write copy for voice-overs and promotional identifications.
• Perform production assistant duties (locating props/photos, researching music/video, maintaining files).
• Shadow promotion producers to learn editing and shooting responsibilities.
• Maintain anchors/reporters bios, photos, and files.
• Write press releases, advisories, and articles.
• Assist in promoting WISN programming via social media (Tweets, Facebook posts).
• Observe newscasts and editing sessions; participate in promo shoots.

Sports

• Monitor sports and news wires for breaking sports news.
• Compile and submit chyron material for broadcasts.
• Gather professional and collegiate scores.
• Log sports events recorded by the Sports staff.
• Answer phone calls, take messages, and assist producers/talent.
• May accompany reporters on location shoots.

Technical

• News editing (ENG).
• Microwave and satellite news gathering.
• News photography.
• Studio operations (floor directing).
• Control room operations (Robos/Audio/Technical Directing).
• Air operations (Master Control/Air Assist).
• Maintenance and IT support.

Shifts include daytime, evenings, and weekends. After one week in each area, interns may return to preferred areas for additional training. Schedules may vary by department.

Weather

• Candidates must be enrolled in a meteorology or closely related program.
• Analyze weather charts and models.
• Contribute to daily forecast preparation.
• Assist with weather graphics production.
• Gather critical and breaking weather data.
• Relay information to News, Assignment Desk, and Web staff.
• Attend editorial and news meetings.
• Research statistical data.
• Practice forecast delivery in-studio.
• Assist with social media and email communication.

Hours are flexible but may include early mornings (4 a.m.–noon), late evenings (2:30 p.m.–11 p.m.), and weekends (morning/evening shifts).

About Us

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and operates 35 television and two radio stations across 27 media markets in 39 states, reaching nearly 25 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.