2026 Summer Internship, TODAY Californian

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USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid.     To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com

USA TODAY in California is seeking candidates for a summer internship position that is focused on newsletter writing, visuals and social media.

This internship program seeks to provide valuable experience to students and recent graduates looking to land jobs as journalists. The 2026 program is paid, lasts 10 weeks and is open to college juniors, seniors, recent graduates and graduate students.

Over the course of this internship, our intern will work closely with TODAY Californian newsletter editor and our visuals and content editor to build proficiency in covering breaking news, entertainment, features and sports news through newsletters and video and photography on social media.

The deadline to submit applications is Friday, May 1. Timeframe for the summer internship is flexible to accommodate school end and start dates. Applicants will work remote but must live in California. 

Responsibilities:

• Learn the craft of newsletter writing with a goal of building an engaged audience across the state of California and beyond.
• Produce high-quality multimedia stories through photography, videography, and clear, engaging text that informs, entertains, and inspires our audience.
• Shoot, edit, and publish vertical videos designed for platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Stories, with a focus on driving audience growth and engagement.
• Collaborate with newsroom colleagues on story development, visual strategy, and innovative approaches to audience engagement. 
• Produce a minimum of five packages a week that are a mix of mediums.
• Travel quickly to wherever the news occurs or is being disseminated (must have access to a car or person who can give them a ride when necessary).

Requirements:

• Degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a communications or journalism program at a college or university.
• Students must have completed one year of college. Preference given to more advanced students.
• Those who have completed undergraduate work, are in graduate programs or recent graduates also are accepted.
• Must be able to develop and maintain relationships with public figures within the communities/school districts of coverage.
• Solid fact checking and reporting skills.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented and flexible.
• Open to new ideas, new experiences and learning on the job.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience performing a wide variety of tasks under the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• This is an hourly position that pays $18 an hour.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.