Broadcast Journalism Internship
News Department
WMUK-FM
Western Michigan University
1351 Friedman Hall
Web: www.wmuk.org
News Department
WMUK-FM
Western Michigan University
1351 Friedman Hall
Web: www.wmuk.org
Station Phone: (269) 387-5715
News Phone: (269) 387-5717
FAX: (269) 387-4630
Internship objective: To provide journalism, public relations, broadcast cable production or media studies students a full radio news department experience. Interns will leave the internship with a portfolio of writing samples and audio produced.
Internship availability: Fall, Spring, Su I & Su II, annually
Number of internships available: Up to 4 per semester
Start date: The first week of the academic semester of the internship.
End date: The Friday prior to finals of the academic semester of the internship.
Hours per week: 10-15 hours per week/ depending upon the number of weeks scheduled to intern. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
Academic qualifications:
Declared major in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication Studies, Broadcast Cable Production, or Film, Video and Media Studies
A grade point of 3.0 or greater in writing intensive classes
Junior status
Completion of at least 3 of: COM 4430, JRN 1000, JRN 2100, COM 3590, COM 2570
Additional qualifications:
Interest in journalism, especially public radio journalism
Excellent writing skills
Fundamental understanding of local government
Must provide own transportation
Valid Michigan Driver’s License
Professional attire and image
Computer skills and experience in audio editing
Ability to use audio recording equipment
Student must provide a copy of their work, on CD or DVD, to the Communication Resouce Center (Clifford Center) at the conclusion of their internship.
Description of intern responsibilities: Interns will research, write, edit and produce news stories. Interns will represent WMUK in the community and on campus when they cover news stories. Interns will interact with all departments in the radio station and learn the daily operations of a radio station. Interns will attend staff meetings and production meetings.
Location: 1351 Friedman Hall, Western Michigan University
Credit: College credit toward communication major or general electives. One hour of college credit is earned for 40 hours of work at WMUK-FM.
Intern sponsor:
Application process: Interested students should send a current resume, cover letter that includes why they are interested in this internship and at least 6 writing samples or portfolio materials to Andrew Robins at WMUK-FM. A formal interview will be conducted.
Application deadlines:
April 15 for Fall
November 15 for Spring
March 15 for Su I & Su II
Faculty sponsor: Faculty sponsor with be the Journalism internship sponsor if the internship is being taken for Journalism practicum credit, or the Communication internship sponsor if the internship is being taken for Com 4990 credit.
Evaluation: Evaluation will be based on advancement of news room skills, including preparation and delivery of a short news cast and preparation of a longer radio piece.
Evaluation process for Com 4990 credit: The evaluation and grade will be completed by Internship Coordinator Marilyn Kritzman and will be based upon the following:
The student’s journal/log/observation of all intern activities
The student’s copy of all work produced; copy of work to be turned in as a CD
Final paper
The internship sponsor mid-internship evaluation
The internship sponsor final evaluation
Method of Evaluation:
Student’s journal/log: 20%
Student’s work: 20 %
Paper: 20%
Internship sponsor mid-internship evaluation: 20%
Internship sponsor final evaluation: 20%
Calendar:
E-mail updates to faculty sponsor every month
Additional communication via email, phone or in person as needed
All materials are to be submitted to Marilyn Kritzman on the Wednesday prior to final weeks of the semester/session registered.
Internship sponsor evaluation due half way through the internship
Internship sponsor final evaluation due the Wednesday prior to finals with the rest of the material. It may be submitted with the student’s materials in a sealed envelope, or the sponsor may submit it separately by the due date.
Student’s Signature
Intern’s sponsor (at internship site) signature
Coordinator of Undergraduate Internship’s (Marilyn S. Kritzman) signature
