Political Research Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are...

When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

CNN Newsgathering and Politics Internships: DC - Fall 2026

Application Deadline: On or before Friday, August 21st

Pro Tip: Submit your application as soon as possible - applications could close earlier due to applicant volume!

Your New Role

Overview of the internships

We have multiple CNN Newsgathering and Political internship opportunities available. By applying to this posting, you will be considered for multiple internship opportunities within this general area. These internships will be located in the DC area. The selected interns will be expected to join us in the office on a regular cadence based on the intern manager's in office schedule.

Example internship opportunities could include:

• CNN DC Desk Newsgathering Intern
• CNN Political Unit Intern

Your Role Accountabilities

This politically-astute intern's duties could include:

• Research
• Fact-checking
• Tape logging
• Assistance with interviews
• Location stakeouts
• Other editorial/production activities
• Conduct background research on the 2026 elections and candidates and produce briefing materials for network use
• Monitor live political events (virtually and potentially in-person) and write clean, accurate recap notes or stories
• Assist with political research requests from reporters and shows
• Track developments in voting and election rules
• Assist with other political coverage as needed

Qualifications & Experience

Essentials needed for the positions that are similar across the above roles (these do not all have to apply to every single role)

• Candidate seeking a career in Broadcast Journalism, Media /Communications, Writing, or Research preferred
• Strong current events knowledge and interest in news and politic;
• Knowledge of CNN news platforms (network shows, website) is helpful;
• Candidates should also be motivated, self-starters, detail-oriented multi-taskers who function well under deadline pressures
• Candidate must have experience with journalistic newswriting, either for broadcast or digital platforms
• Extensive understanding of and interest in political campaigns and U.S. politics a must
• Experience working with political data is a plus
• Must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university degree program for the full duration of the internship (proof of enrollment required)
• Must be a rising Junior or rising Senior undergrad student (18 years or older)
• Must be in academic good standing (3.0 or above GPA) A transcript will be required to verify your GPA if an offer is extended.
• Warner Bros. Discovery will only consider candidates who are presently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and who will not require work visa sponsorship from Warner Bros. Discovery now or in the future in order to retain their authorization to work in the United States. Candidates currently on any student or exchange visa, including F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, J-1, M-1, etc., will not be eligible for the internship program.

What To Know Before Applying:

• The duration of the program is 10 weeks
• Program dates:
• Start Date: October 12th
• End Date: December 18th
• Interns will be expected to work 16-24 hours per week in a hybrid capacity.
• Our internships are paid opportunities with a competitive hourly wage. Credit is not required; however, we will provide the necessary documentation for school credit if desired. Relocation is not provided.
• Interviewing will take place from early August through mid-September. A WBD team member will contact you if your experiences and interests match an open internship position. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to give individual status updates.

About Our Internship Program

WBD's Internship Program is designed to nurture students professionally and personally. We attract the country's boldest and brightest students for paid, for-credit, real-world internship experiences in the entertainment, tech, sports, news and media industries. We offer career-defining opportunities to learn valuable skills that will help you prepare for a successful future.

Ready to learn more? Here's what we offer:

• Hands-on work with passionate, talented team members in your field
• Mentorship from some of the industry's kindest and most passionate entertainment veterans
• Engaging events including professional development seminars, panels with recruiters and former interns, intern-exclusive events, and so much more
• Access to top-level executives and employees through our Speaker Series and Roundtables
• Incredible networking opportunities with industry-leading professionals and a robust intern alumni network
• A creative, collaborative, and inclusive company culture

What you can expect to take away from the semester:

• Opportunities to develop professionally and uncover skills you didn't know you had
• The insider scoop on the entertainment industry and what happens behind the scenes
• Relationships that will go beyond your collegiate career
• Real-life experiences that will provide you with the confidence to delve into your next adventure

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing compensation for roles in locations where legally required. Pay Rate: $19 per hour USD for undergrad interns.

How We Get Things Done...

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.