Reporting Intern

the Chronicle

Job Title:  Reporting Intern)

Internship Overview

The Chronicle, a weekly newspaper devoted to providing reliable information for and about residents of Orleans County, is looking for a student interested in joining a group of young reporters (and one crusty old editor) in seeking out and presenting issues of importance to our community of readers..

The successful candidate will have a passion for exploring a new community and be open to learning from everyone encountered in the process.  A deep concern for accuracy, thoroughness, and respect for others, is essential.

Requirements

Reporters take on stories that are assigned by the editor or suggested by the reporter.  Gathering information is a major part of the work and may require the reporter to attend meetings, interview subjects, or do other research on current or historical issues.  We meet weekly to come up with a mix of stories for the next paper.  Everyone’s contributions and suggestions are valued and considered..

The work requires: 

• Gathering information and taking all necessary steps to ensure its accuracy.
• Interviewing people to confirm stories or to collect information for a profile.
• Writing on a deadline.
• Working with the editor and productions staff to refine and improve draft copy.
• Working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Taking photographs to go with stories.
• Covering special events.

Learning Objectives

• We consider ourselves to be a writer’s paper and don’t use the AP Stylebook.  It is important to find ways to tell stories in an engaging manner while keeping in mind the necessity to be accurate and fair.
• Apply academic concepts to problems and issues that we cover.
• Understand the reporting process and create stories that will inform and entertain readers.
• Produce high quality documents with word processing software.
• Demonstrate multi-channel communication skills including oral, written, audio/visual and digital.

Company Overview

The Chronicle turned 50 in 2024.  It was founded by Chris and Ellen Braithwaite and Edward Cowan to cover Orleans County and its people

When Chris retired he sold the Chronicle to staff members.  The paper is now totally worker owned, meaning we are only responsible to ourselves and our readers.  Over the years we have developed a reputation for being part of the community we cover and treating all its members with respect. 

Position Details

This position reports to and will work closely with the editor. It interfaces with production staff.

This position is half-time at 20 hours per week.  We go to print no later than 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays.  The reporting deadline is 4 p.m. Monday, but that can be extended for events or meetings that take place Monday evening. 

At the beginning of the internship we will discuss the successful candidate existing expertise and interests with a view of using prior knowledge to make their work more interesting and successful.

The number of stories per week will vary, depending on the nature of the events or people covered.  A profile of an interesting community member might run much longer than a run-of-the-mill select board meeting report.

Location

The Chronicle is located at 133 Water Street, Barton, Vermont 05822.  If you have questions, please feel free to call Joseph Gresser at (802) 525-3531 or email him at editor@bartonchronicle.com.

UVM Support

The intern selected for this position will be part of a UVM sponsored cohort of interns working with organizations in the Northeast Kingdom who are supporting Community Resilience.  

Benefits will include

Free intern housing for 10 weeks in a residence hall at Sterling College in Craftsbury, VT (June 9 – Aug 15.). 

Wage subsidy from UVM (all interns will earn $18/hr.)

Participation in a week-long community orientation along with 8-9 other UVM interns placed in partner organizations. 

Participation in weekly intern cohort workshops for professional development, networking, and reflection and a final sharing event 

Questions about the cohort can be directed to Kristen.andrews@uvm.edu

Further Requirements

• Minimum High School Graduate or GED (must be a current undergraduate student at UVM.)
• Preferred majors: Journalism, English, Communications (any major will be considered.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of web and social media is useful.
• Preferred experience with Word, Open Office, or Libre Office.
• Transportation