2026 Summer Intern

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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

The Springfield News-Leader, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK is offering paid journalism internships to college students and recent graduates at newsrooms nationwide.

This posting is for candidates interested in the following site:

The Springfield News-Leader, Springfield, MO

Who can apply:
College juniors and seniors

Recent graduates

Graduate students

Program details:
Duration: 10 weeks (Dates TBD)

Hourly Rate: $18.00

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026

What you’ll do:
Gain hands-on experience in:
Covering breaking news, features, and politics

Writing headlines, creating social media content, and multimedia storytelling

Photography, videography, and investigative journalism

Participation in training led by veteran journalists on topics like interviewing, writing on deadline, ethics, source development, and open records

Responsibilities:
Write 4–5 stories per week, including breaking news, features, and event coverage

Conduct interviews (in person, by phone, or virtually)

Research and gather information from various sources

Produce multimedia content to support stories

Collaborate in brainstorming sessions

Requirements:
Enrolled in or recently graduated from a journalism program (junior year or beyond preferred)

Strong writing, research, and fact-checking skills

Familiarity with AP style

Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism

Critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail

This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Availability for some evening and weekend work

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:

Your resume (1–2 pages)

A cover letter outlining how you would approach the internship and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Links to 3–6 samples of your work

Complete your application by March 20, 2026, to be considered.

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.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.