Summer Reporter Intern

Description

The Grand Forks Herald has been the #1 trusted source of local news for Grand Forks, ND, East Grand Forks, MN, and the surrounding region since 1879, helping connect residents with the stories that shape their communities. Known for high-quality journalism, the Herald earned eight first-place awards from the North Dakota Newspaper Association in 2024 - including best use of social media - reflecting its commitment to engaging, impactful reporting.

Grand Forks is a vibrant, growing community with a rich cultural and economic landscape. Home to the University of North Dakota, the region celebrates a truly legendary Fighting Hawks hockey legacy that brings the community together and draws attention from sports fans across the country. The local economy is strong and diversified, with expanding business sectors, a supportive entrepreneurial environment, and a revitalized downtown that has become a hub for commerce, entertainment, arts, and dining. With a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and a blend of college-town energy and small-city charm, Grand Forks offers an exceptional place to live, work, and grow.

The Grand Forks Herald is part of Forum Communications Company, a fifth-generation, family-owned media organization with more than 20 publications across the Upper Midwest, collectively reaching more than 5 million readers each month. 

Summary

Our summer Reporter Intern will have the opportunity to learn on-the-job skills in a fast-paced environment, covering breaking news, digging for stories, and producing engaging content for a targeted digital and print audience. This is an approximately 10 week, full-time summer internship with an anticipated start date in late May or early June - start date negotiable based on selected candidate's availability and business needs. 

Essential Functions

• Receive and research assignments and develop your own ideas into relevant news content incorporating multimedia aspects such as video, audio, and photography in all stories.  
• Respond with urgency to breaking news, including writing stories and/or producing visuals on deadline with a digital audience in mind.
• Gather and verify information for stories through interviews, observations, and research. 
• Build rapport and stay attuned to local, regional, and state issues, with the possibility of attending local and regional board meetings. 
• Operate video and/or camera equipment as needed for stories. 
• Contribute to the overall advancement of digital initiatives; share and promote digital content through various social media channels as needed.

Qualifications

• Our ideal candidate will current be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communication, or a related field. 
• Professional experience writing is strongly preferred, as well as background/knowledge of AP style writing.
• Flexibility in scheduling - there may be some nights, weekends, and/or holidays required in this position.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle potentially sensitive and emotional situations, and exhibit sensitivity to all readers and subjects of articles.  
• Knowledge of freedom of information and libel laws preferred. 
• Excellent communication skills - listening, interviewing, and writing accurate, concise notes and stories. 
• Detail oriented, with strong organizational skills - ability to balance multiple, competing priorities on a deadline.  
• Strong computer skills; proficient with word processing and navigating content management systems.   

Expected compensation for this role is between $13 and $14/hour, based on qualifications and experience.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Forum Communications Company is a family-owned media and technology leader with more than a century of delivering trusted, quality journalism and innovative business solutions. Storytelling is at the heart of who we are, but today, we’re so much more than a newspaper. As one of the Upper Midwest’s leading media organizations, we’re driving the future across print and digital news, sports streaming, technology, broadcasting, commercial printing, and full-service agency advertising.

Our teams are made up of passionate, purpose-driven people who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. Along with a competitive benefits package, you’ll find real opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact within a culture that celebrates ideas, values people, and knows how to have fun along the way. Come for the perks. Stay for the community.

Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.