Pulliam/Kilgore FOI Internships - Society of Professional Journalists

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Internships
Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internships

Application deadline: May 6

About the Program

The Society of Professional Journalists annually awards a Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internship. This intern works in the offices of the Society’s First Amendment legal counsel in Washington, D.C.

The intern researches and writes about freedom of information issues while assisting the Society’s Freedom of Information Committee and First Amendment legal counsel in preparing SPJ’s FOI documentation and resources. Other responsibilities may include working on the SPJ website and assisting with SPJ programs and initiatives.

The intern primarily works on researching and writing SPJ’s annual Pulliam/Kilgore Report. The report addresses a Freedom of Information topic of interest to journalists and attorneys. The 5,000- to 6,000-word report is distributed at the Society’s National Convention. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in law or be able to demonstrate a solid interest in law and the ability to conduct the responsibilities required. Current law school students stand the best chance of being hired.

Other duties of the Washington, D.C., intern include:

Writing stories for Quill magazine
Attending hearings on Capitol Hill that are of interest to SPJ
Representing SPJ at various Washington, D.C., events

Interns receive a stipend of $700 per week and work during a mutually agreeable 10-week period during the summer. Recipients are notified in mid-April and should arrange to start their internships in late May or early June.

History/Administration

The Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internships are awarded in memory of Bernard “Barney” Kilgore, an early and active member of the Society of Professional Journalists and former chairman of the board of Dow Jones & Co. Inc., the parent company of The Wall Street Journal; and Eugene C. Pulliam, a founder of Sigma Delta Chi and Central Newspapers Inc.

Internships are funded by the Society’s educational foundation, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

Application Requirements

*Please clearly indicate for which internship you are applying*

To be considered, applicants must include the following:

Completed application
Résumé
A one-page essay that illustrates your understanding of Freedom of Information issues and what you expect to gain from the internship
No more than five writing samples

Applicants must be journalism students who are entering or just completing their senior year, a graduate journalism student, or a law student with a journalism background.

Where to Send Applications/Get More Information

Submission deadline: May 6.

Please email application materials to John Shertzer.

For more information:
John Shertzer, Executive Director
317-927-8000
E-Mail

Application