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Journalist Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Embarcadero Media Foundation

Intern, Foodist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Embarcadero Media Intern - Food Department : Foodist - appears in Palo Alto Weekly, The Almanac ... Hybrid Date : 3/3/25 About Us Embarcadero Media Foundation is a nonprofit journalism group with ...

dot.LA

Editorial Intern (Remote)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

LA's editorial internship should be pursuing journalism as a career and have experience writing ... The Editorial Intern will work closely with our Managing Editor to gain valuable experience in news ...

NEWSWELL

Fall intern, NEWSWELL Stockton

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Fall intern, NEWSWELL Stockton Stocktonia, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to providing ... You'll attend workshops conducted by award-winning journalists. If you're ready to learn, hustle ...

Asuep

Fall intern, NEWSWELL Stockton

Stockton, CA

$20/hr

Fall intern, NEWSWELL Stockton Stocktonia, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to providing ... You'll attend workshops conducted by award-winning journalists. If you're ready to learn, hustle ...

NEWSWELL

Fall intern, NEWSWELL Stockton

Stockton, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Fall intern, NEWSWELL Stockton Stocktonia, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to providing ... You'll attend workshops conducted by award-winning journalists. If you're ready to learn, hustle ...

dot.LA

Editorial Intern (Remote)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

LA's editorial internship should be pursuing journalism as a career and have experience writing ... The Editorial Intern will work closely with our Managing Editor to gain valuable experience in news ...

American Public Media Group

Intern, LAist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$18.66/hr

This position is funded by a grant from the Asian American Journalists Association, Los Angeles chapter. The intern will also be awarded a scholarship for $1,902 provided and administered by AAJA-LA.

American Public Media Group

Intern, LAist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$18.66/hr

This position is funded by a grant from the Asian American Journalists Association, Los Angeles chapter. The intern will also be awarded a scholarship for $1,902 provided and administered by AAJA-LA.

AbilityFirst

Grant/Development Intern

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Intern - College Course Credit - 20 hours (Approx.) DRIVER POSITION: Yes [ If yes, see driving ... This internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in English, Communications, Journalism ...

AbilityFirst

Grant/Development Intern

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$16.50 - $22/hr

Intern - College Course Credit - 20 hours (Approx.) DRIVER POSITION: Yes [ If yes, see driving ... This internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in English, Communications, Journalism ...

AbilityFirst

Grant/Development Intern

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Intern - College Course Credit - 20 hours (Approx.) DRIVER POSITION: Yes [ If yes, see driving ... This internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in English, Communications, Journalism ...

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All JobsJournalist Intern JobsJournalist Intern Jobs in California

Journalist Intern information

What is a journalist intern?

Journalist interns are students or recent graduates who work temporarily at news organizations to gain practical experience in journalism. They assist professional journalists with researching, reporting, writing, and editing news stories. Interns may cover events, conduct interviews, fact-check information, and help with multimedia content. This role provides valuable hands-on training and insight into the daily operations of a newsroom, often serving as a stepping stone to a full-time journalism career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a journalist intern?

To thrive as a Journalist Intern, you generally need strong writing, research, and fact-checking skills, often supported by coursework in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, digital publishing tools, and basic multimedia editing software is typically expected. Curiosity, adaptability, and effective communication help you stand out when interviewing sources and working under tight deadlines. These skills are crucial for producing accurate, engaging stories and contributing meaningfully to a fast-paced newsroom.

What types of assignments and mentorship can a journalist intern typically expect during their internship?

As a Journalist Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of assignments, such as researching stories, conducting interviews, fact-checking, and drafting articles under tight deadlines. Interns often collaborate closely with editors, senior journalists, and photographers, gaining valuable feedback and guidance. Many newsrooms pair interns with mentors who provide career advice, help refine reporting skills, and offer insights into the editorial process. This structure not only exposes interns to different aspects of journalism but also helps build a professional network, which can be crucial for future job opportunities.

What is the difference between Journalist Intern vs Reporter?

AspectJournalist InternReporter
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldsUsually has a degree in journalism, communications, or related fields; some experience or internships preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in newsrooms, media outlets, or online platformsFull-time role in news organizations, covering specific beats or stories
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with research, writing, and editing; learning industry practicesResearching, investigating, and reporting news stories; producing articles or broadcasts

While both roles involve journalism skills and industry environments, a Journalist Intern is typically a student or entry-level individual gaining experience, whereas a Reporter is a more experienced professional responsible for producing news content regularly.

How to get a journalist internship?

To get a journalist internship, applicants should develop strong writing and reporting skills, often demonstrated through a portfolio or school projects. Relevant experience can be gained through student newspapers, freelancing, or volunteering, and applying to media outlets or journalism programs with a well-crafted resume and cover letter increases chances of selection.

What are the most commonly searched types of Journalist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Journalist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Journalist Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Journalist Intern job openings:

Journalist Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Journalist Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Visual Journalist Intern (Photo + Video), Snappr News

Snappr

San Francisco, CA

$25/hr

Internship

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Snappr News
Snappr is the one-stop-shop for visual content for brands, including the largest on-demand marketplace for photographers and videographers. Snappr News is a new product line: an editorial photo and video product launching in 2026, starting with technology news in the San Francisco Bay Area. We will cover the top tech stories of the day with stunning visuals that can’t be found anywhere else. You’ll play a leading role in shaping the product and business model from the ground up, and helping define how the world gets visuals for the moments that matter. This is our first ever internship position for this product.
 
The Role
You’ll work alongside the Snappr News team to cover broad tech news and tech’s impact across San Francisco and the Bay Area: companies, founders, workers, money, culture, policy, and the on-the-ground moments that explain what’s actually happening - beyond the press releases.
 
This is a photo and video capture internship. You won’t need to edit - we have a whole backend platform for that!
You’ll get a front seat view of the early days of a new product at a fast growing technology startup!
What You'll Do:
  • Report visually in the field: breaking news, events, portraits, features, and “tech meets real life” stories.
  • Deliver fast: often same-day, frequently within hours, occasionally immediately when news breaks.
  • Produce both photo and video on assignment: from quick hit coverage to short-form storytelling.
  • Write complete, accurate captions for every photo/video: names, titles, dates, locations, context - no guessing. Use AI tools responsibly to speed up your writing and tagging without sacrificing quality.
  • Tag and package everything correctly in the proprietary Snappr News app: keywords, locations, people/companies, and legal information.
  • Operate according to photojournalistic ethics and standards.
  • Receive coaching from experienced photographers.
Must-Haves:
  • Strong photographic portfolio (street photography is a good proxy if you don’t have experience in photojournalism specifically).
  • Solid video shooting skills.
  • Extreme attention to detail.
  • Charismatic and love meeting new people.
  • Calm under pressure.
  • Patient.
 
Strong Preference:
  • Studying a relevant field at a local university (preference to Berkeley and Stanford).
  • Experience in photojournalism (e.g. school photojournalism).
  • Motorbike license (or willing to get one). We have company bikes.
 
Gear
We provide top-end gear. If you prefer, we will consider allowing you to use your own kit if it’s full-frame and compatible with our hardware and remote transfer requirements.
 
Schedule
8-12 weeks over summer - flexible depending on school schedule. Mostly Mon-Fri, with occasional weekend assignments and on-call. Must be flexible for evening events and fast-breaking coverage.
 
Compensation & Benefits
•$25 per hour (40 hours per week).
•Approved travel expenses covered where needed.