Talk Shows Intern

The Opportunity 

WBEZ's daily talk show(s) are seeking an intern. With mentoring from the show’s senior producer, this intern will help with daily production duties including booking guests, prepping interviews, writing scripts, crafting web stories and engaging audiences on social media. Our live shows air from 5am to 1pm every weekday. Shows are news-driven and audience focused. A typical show breaks down the latest news and dives into topics that matter to listeners' day-to-day lives and into arts and culture. 

The ideal candidate is curious and team-oriented, avidly consumes local and national news and wants to contribute to the public conversation around important issues of the day in the Chicago region. The Talk Show internship will give any budding producer the technical and editorial skills needed to succeed in radio and journalism. This internship is not coffee runs, busy work, and menial labor. It is an intensive experience where interns learn what it takes to become a top show producer. Our interns graduate with an extensive body of work under their belts.

We are located at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. All interns must be able to work from our office and studios at Navy Pier in Chicago a minimum of 2x a week. 

Chicago Public Media interns gain hands-on experience while working alongside some of the best talent in the business. Our hope is that — after receiving a solid foundation at WBEZ — our interns continue to contribute to public media.  

A bit about our internship programs:

• Many, but not all, of our interns have completed college or some other form of education and/or certification in the journalism or media field(s).
• Many go on to careers in public media or other outlets. Many have found their way back to WBEZ, too.
• We pay $20/hour, non-negotiable

Interns work full time 40 hrs/week Program term is 12 weeks (June 9, 2026 through September 10, 2026) 

• Positions are daytime work hours and on a Monday through Friday schedule, though some flexibility may be possible.

What we are looking for our candidates to display in their resumes, cover letters and interview conversations: 

• Knowledge about WBEZ and our mission of serving the community
• Strong interest in learning and contributing to our mission 
• Curiosity and the willingness to learn
• Understanding of the value of bringing together diverse perspectives
• Why WBEZ is part of your career planning in journalism and media
• Specific skills you want to learn during the internship 
• If applicable, any links to a portfolio of writing samples; audio, video, or multimedia packages; or other completed work that may be relevant to this opening

The application deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026. Managers plan to select candidates by early May. 

Accepted applicants will be required to start training in Chicago on June 9, 2026. Internship ends September 10, 2026.