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All Things Considered & National Desk Internship - Fall 2026

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide. 

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

Internship Program Duration: October 5th, 2026 - April 16th, 2027
Application Instructions: Applications close on Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 pm ET.
 
Intro to Position
This internship consists of two parts. Each part will be hosted by a different team.
 
All Things Considered, October-January:
All Things Considered is NPR’s flagship afternoon news program. 
Interns are actively involved in the production of the daily program. They pitch stories, conduct research, pre-interview guests, mix stories, help with production of podcasts and book studios at NPR and remote locations. They work alongside program staff and assist with the live program.
 
INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Conducts research for daily stories and long-term projects
  • Books guests and arranges studios for news and feature interviews
  • Logs recordings of interviews and events
  • Obtains archival tape and assists with basic audio
  • Attends daily editorial meeting and pitches story ideas
  • Helps with digital production
National Desk, January-April:
During the second half of the internship, the intern will work with NPR’s National Desk. Ideal for those who aspire to be a reporter in public media, National Desk interns are given real-world, hands-on responsibilities from day one. Working alongside top professionals in the field, interns conduct meaningful work, such as researching, pitching, and reporting their own stories, and may also have the opportunity to accompany staff reporters and producers on assignments. Our reporters and editors are among the best in the business, and the National Desk is a great place to learn the craft of reporting. The internship is also a lot of fun. 
 
INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assisting NPR staff reporters, editors, producers, hosts and freelancers in the creation of news programming
  • Learning NPR News’ radio journalism ethical standards and practices
  • Developing radio reporting and producing skills that will prepare the intern for careers at NPR member stations and at NPR itself
  • Conduct research for editors and reporters
  • Build clipboards, log tape and write digital posts
  • All work of the intern is to be performed under the close supervision of the host teams
The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.
 
This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff is defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.    
 
Qualifications 
  • A keen interest in journalism
  • Specific interest in public media
  • Some journalism experience (such as an internship at a local public radio station or a job at a college radio station)
Application Requirements
  • Resume 
  • Cover Letter
  • Writing Sample
Education Requirements
Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship.
 
Work Location & Requirements
  • On-site (Non-union or SAG AFTRA): This is an on-site role based in Washington, D.C. 
Job Type
  • This is a full-time, non-exempt internship.
Schedule 
This is a full-time internship (40 hours per week) generally Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., but which can be flexible around the intern’s schedule and news demands.
 
Compensation
 
Hourly Rate The U.S.-based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.
 
NPR Benefits: NPR offers interns a robust package of benefits and resources designed to foster their professional development and support their overall well-being. Interns are eligible to make elective contributions to the NPR 403(b) retirement plan. As an intern, you have access to Transit Commuter benefits through HealthEquity, which allow you to set aside pre tax funds for eligible commuting expenses.  You are also eligible for membership with the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, giving you access to a range of financial services and resources. At our DC Headquarters, interns enjoy free access to on-site Wellness Center, free fitness center membership, secure bike facilities, garage parking, and onsite cafeteria. Other benefits include the Employee Assistance Program with up to six face-to-face counseling sessions per issue, Global Guardian worldwide assistance, and Business Travel Accident coverage. Additionally, interns working 30 or more hours per week receive holiday pay for 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year and accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period with no waiting period.  NPR also supports career growth and work-life balance through professional development opportunities, flexible work hours, and telecommuting options.
 
Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.
 
#LI-ONSITE

 

The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salaries NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

NPR Pay Range

$20 - $20 USD

NPR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

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Want more NPR? Explore the stories behind the stories on our NPR Extra blog. Get social with NPR Extra on Facebook and Instagram. Find more career opportunities at NPR.org/careers.

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