Media Matters for America — a progressive, Washington, D.C.-based, nonprofit research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media — is seeking a Media Monitoring Intern for the Fall/Winter term.
The internship runs from September through December, with some flexibility around start and end dates. Interns can work remotely within the United States or from Media Matters’ DC office. The spring internship program requires 24 or 32 hours worked per week. Stipends vary depending on remote vs. in office work and hours worked, as follows:
24 hours per week worked:
- in office: $2500 monthly stipend
- remote: $2000 monthly stipend
32 hours per week worked
- in office: $3300 monthly stipend
- remote: $2700 monthly stipend
In order to maintain a safe and healthy workplace, Media Matters employees accessing our DC office are required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Media Matters will discuss reasonable accommodations with employees who may be unable to receive a vaccine due to disabilities or medical status, and/or employees with religious objections or concerns that may prohibit them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
Role Summary:
The Media Monitoring Intern is responsible for providing day-to-day support to the to Media Matters’ Media Intelligence Department, which monitors and organizes Media Matters’ live and archival cable, online, broadcast, and social media recordings and tracks right-wing misinformation, smears, and attacks in media. This role includes both short- and long-term projects such as monitoring, data entry, helping to maintain the organization’s internal database, and contributing to departmental data projects.
Reporting Structure:
- The Media Monitoring Intern will report to a Monitoring Coordinator
Responsibilities:
- Provide data collection support to the monitoring teams
- Monitor TV, radio broadcasting, and other news outlets and alert teams to misinformation, and inflammatory comments, or smears
- Summarize and flag emerging misinformation in print and online media
- Aid in long-term research and data projects
Required Qualifications:
- Experience working with and/or supporting a fast-paced team
- Deep knowledge of current media landscape and an expansive media diet
- Interest in U.S. politics and media, including the ways conservative misinformation affects public debate in a fragmented media environment
- Ability to quickly synthesize information about new topics
- Understanding of 24-hour news cycle and how to identify elements with viral potential
- Deep knowledge of current political and policy issues
- Strong research skills
- Ability to adapt to new technologies and systems quickly and effectively
- Alignment with Media Matters’ work culture, including:
- Ability to operate effectively both independently and in a team
- Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines on a daily basis, multitask, and quickly adapt to new challenges in a fast-paced news cycle
- Receptivity and responsiveness to both concrete and abstract feedback
- Dedication to accuracy, with the ability to prioritize and keen attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years educational and/or professional experience in journalism, politics, public policy, or a related field
Physical Requirements
The physical demands of the position include regular work on a computer for all or part of the work day, as well as regular communication with colleagues, both verbally and in writing, using tools such as email, Slack, and audio and video conferencing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions, including the use of assistive technology.
How to Apply:
Please apply through our online portal at https://www.mediamatters.org/jobs. No phone calls, please. We can respond only to candidates whom we are contacting for an interview. Schedules will be determined by mutual agreement between the intern and Media Matters at the time of the internship offer.
Media Matters for America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or disability.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.