Production and Operations Intern - Summer 2026 (Unpaid)
Who We Are:
Detroit PBS is Michigan’s largest and most-watched television station serving Southeastern Michigan and serves the most diverse public television audience in the country. Detroit PBS is also the state’s only community-licensed station, meaning it operates independent of any educational, government or other institution. Its funding comes from the community it serves.
Each week more than two million people watch our five broadcast channels, and nearly 200,000 people listen to our radio station, 90.9 WRCJ for classical days and jazzy nights. In addition, Detroit PBS is building the next generation of public media with our rapidly growing digital presence which has grown to reach more than half a million unique visitors through our website, YouTube channels, and social media platforms each month.
Our core values: excellence, innovation, trust, diversity, engagement and financial sustainability are evident in everything we do. From the engaging content we provide to the way we work with viewers, supporters, board members and employees, to the local events we host, Detroit PBS connects with thousands of our fellow community members each year.
For more information about Detroit PBS, please visit the website https://www.detroitpbs.org/.
Does the idea of building your career alongside a dedicated group of professionals with different backgrounds and experiences excite you? If so, we invite you to join us in our mission to provide public media that helps individuals discover new ideas, make informed decisions, and enjoy enriched lives.
We are actively pursuing dynamic and diverse team members to join us in the role of Production and Operations Intern in Wixom, MI.
What You’ll Do:
The Production and Operations Team is seeking an intern to support broadcast and digital video production through hands-on learning experiences.
The Production and Operations Intern will work with Detroit PBS Producers on locally produced programs and including studio productions (such as local pledge), field productions (like the Concert of Colors), digital productions (such as Michigan Learning Channel’s The Planning Period), and station promotions and underwriting. This is a hybrid position and will require in-person work at Detroit PBS in Wixom, MI, at home remote work, and field work. Some night and weekend availability is required.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as a production assistant during field, virtual and studio production shoots:
- Gather releases
- Capture production stills, and behind- the-scenes video for use in program promotion and social media
- Assist the producer with script notes
- Greet guests
- Support the production or programming content:
- Write program descriptions
- Create transcripts, soundbites, thumbnails, and other assets
- Review and copy edit scripts
- Log footage
- Conduct research as assigned
- Edit rough cuts
- Participate in weekly meetings, including brainstorming sessions with station staff and external partners
- Create program cutdowns for social media
- Other duties as assigned
Skills:
- Organized and detailed-oriented
- Basic understanding of production documents, and processes (releases, scripts, shot lists)
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Basic office application knowledge (Excel, Word)
- Basic camera operation, lighting, and audio
- Basic non-linear editing and graphics creation (Adobe CC experience preferred but not required)
- Basic understanding of social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube
Qualifications:
- Enrollment in a university or vocational tech training program or recent graduate
- Pursuing broadcasting, film, video production, telecommunications, or communications degree preferred
- Ability and willingness to work approximately 20 hours per week, minimum 3 day, for a maximum of 1 semester, or 14-16 weeks
- Ability to work in a hybrid model, including working in-person and in Wixom, MI on Tuesdays, and during production shoots when possible
What You’ll Get:
- Opportunities to participate in personal and professional development programs
- Opportunities to serve our mission and community
- Great work environment
Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will be able to:
- Understand the pre-production, production, and post-production processes
- Conceptualize, research, and perform pre-production of programs
- Prepare studio production materials including: releases, rundowns, scripts, and equipment requirements
- Prepare promotional elements
Intern applicants must be currently enrolled at a college or university, or have recently (within past 6 months) graduated with a relevant degree. The internship program is unpaid and focused on education and training.
*No telephone calls or third parties. Please include the title of the position in the subject line of the email.
Detroit Public Media, d/b/a Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ, is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability status, marital status, military status, or protected veteran status. Employment decisions at Detroit PBS will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.