Local Government / Politics Intern

Role Overview

Help our team at The Dallas Morning News lead the charge on coverage of North Texas government and politics in a market hungry for it. From breaking news to viral trends, you'll set the agenda and shape how our audience understands critical local issues.

The Local Government/Politics Intern will be assigned a variety of reporting tasks primarily focused on—but not limited to—various events and issues related to government and politics in North Texas. Assignments will include breaking news, daily news coverage and utility/service journalism that helps our readers. This is a fast-paced, quick-turn job focused on breaking government news, what’s trending and expanding the conversations readers are having online. Ideal candidates will be well-versed in using social media to generate pitches and report stories.

What You’ll Do

• Write quickly and accurately on a variety of local news topics related to government/politics.
• Use social media as a tool to develop story ideas and respond to what our audience is talking about.
• Build stories with links, tags, SEO best practices, attractive web headlines and multimedia when appropriate.
• Work with editors to develop coverage that resonates with our digital audience.
• Assist with video and audio journalism, as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• Good news judgment, accuracy, speed, grammatical precision, a flair for headlines, energy, curiosity and an ability to provide the best local news coverage with impact, excitement and an eye toward digital success.
• Proficiency in digital content management tools.
• Familiarity with using social media for newsgathering and audience development.
• Demonstrated ability to work remotely via smartphone or laptop computer.
• Understanding of platforms and audiences and ability to compose stories appropriate to the platform of publication (e.g., voice, style, formatting, hyperlinks).
• Deep knowledge of SEO techniques and other digital best practices.
• Familiarity with accepted newsroom tools for planning, authoring, communicating, etc.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and across newsroom teams.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, producing stories quickly and accurately.
• Knowledge of digital news analytics.
• Valid driver's license and registered vehicle to travel to assignments.