GLT Internships

GLT internships for course credit may originate in any Illlinois State University department, and require that the student be enrolled for an internship course. Internships are available in these areas: 

• WGLT Newsroom
• Public Relations
• Broadcast Production

GLT Newsroom Internships. Areas of responsibility:

File Management

• Organize and maintain newsroom background files by issue/subject
• Organize and maintain newsroom future files, glean newspaper clippings and filing press releases
• Under the supervision of the news director, update the quarterly Issues and Programs file, maintained for public inspection

Writing

• Write public service announcements
• Re-write wire copy and locally-written news stories
• Write news stories from press releases
• Write stories from events attended, interviews conducted (see next section)
• Write questions for an interview to be conducted by GLT news staff

News Gathering

• Use on-line and other available resources to generate story ideas
• Accompany news reporters to at least three news conferences or news events
• Attend at least one news conference or news event unaccompanied
• Conduct phone and in-person interviews with newsmakers for stories

Production

• Edit on digital editing equipment
• Maintain archive of recorded stories
• Record regular daily feeds of stock report and occasional feeds of stories from other stations utilizing ISDN technology
• Produce at least one "spot" (short) wrap
• Produce one "depth" (long) story (this depends on progress of intern and proficiency of work)

Administration

• Attend at least two GLT staff meetings and attend one informal newsroom review session
• Attend one GLT departmental meeting involving the news director

Contact: Willis Kern, News Director 309-438-5426.

Public Relations  Internships. Activities may include:

Public Relations

• Contribute to media relations efforts
• Write press releases for distribution to media throughout central IL
• Contact media regarding upcoming activities and special events
• Submit article ideas to The ISU Report

Special Events

         Participate in planning and execution of special events:

• GLT Jazz Cabaret (February)
• GLT Trivia Night (March)
• GLT Summer Concert (June)
• Sugar Creek Arts Festival (July)
• GLT Night at Illinois Shakespeare Festival (August)
• Recycled Music Sale (August)
• Sweet Corn Blues Festival (August)
• Radio Faces (November)
• One-time events throughout the year as they arise

     Tasks may include:

• development of event-specific print materials (Quark, Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator experience a plus)
• tracking sales, attendance, and other data (should be familiar with Excel and Word)
• maintaining merchandise inventory and shipping items
• assisting with semiannual on-air fund drive preparation
• For execution of events, some weekend hours are a necessity

 Marketing

• Market GLT in general and market GLT activities and events
• Research potential new events
• Implement marketing strategies for individual events

 The successful intern must:

• have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• be outgoing and professional
• have excellent customer service skills
• be flexible and creative

 Contact: Linda Healy, Events & Promotions Director, 309-438-5083

Broadcast Internships. Activities can include:

Writing

• Learn to write effective on-air copy to promote programs and station events

Production

• Develop familiarity with digital editing software and on-air audio delivery software
• Responsible for weekly production of audio promos
• Assist in production related to on-air fund drives

On-Air Experience

• Learn how to prepare for on-air shift
• Develop on-air skills with regular shift
• Learn to “voice track” automated shift

Administration

• Track weekly on-air song play and revise station charts weekly
• Report weekly charts to trade organizations
• Develop basic understanding of music library and music database management

Contact: Program Director Mike McCurdy at 309-438-2394.