2026 USA TODAY CO. Forward Summer Internship Program, The Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY

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USA TODAY Co.

Applications Closed

Posted 5 months ago

Internship

Rochester, New York

In Person

Smart Summary

Interns will gain hands-on experience in covering news, writing stories, and producing multimedia content. They will also participate in training sessions led by veteran journalists.

This internship program is designed for college juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students interested in journalism. It requires strong writing, research, and fact-checking skills, as well as familiarity with AP style and AI tools. The internship involves covering various news topics, conducting interviews, and producing multimedia content.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Journalism

Reporting

Social Media

Photography

Videography

Writing

Research

Fact-checking

AP style

AI

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Driver’s license

Job Description

|Current USA TODAY Co. Employees- Please ensure you are using our abbreviated process on the internal Careers site by logging into Dayforce through MyApps| 

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

2026 USA TODAY CO. Forward Summer Internship Program, The Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY

The Democrat and Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK is offering paid journalism internships to college students and recent graduates at newsrooms nationwide. The summer internships are for candidates interested in any of the following career paths:  reporting, producing, social media, photography or videography.   

This posting is for candidates interested in the following site:

The Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY 

Who can apply:

  • College juniors and seniors
  • Recent graduates
  • Graduate students 

Program details:

  • Duration: 10 weeks (Dates TBD)
  • Hourly Rate: $18.00
  • Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 

What you’ll do:

Gain hands-on experience in:

  • Covering breaking news, sports, 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: 

  1. Your resume (1–2 pages)
  2. A cover letter outlining how you would approach the internship and what you hope to gain from the experience.
  3. Links to 3–6 samples of your work
  4. Complete your application by January 16, 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. 

Gannett 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 Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett 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 Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.

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USA TODAY Co.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) 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 scalable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. We endeavor to deliver essential content, marketing solutions, and experiences for curated audiences, advertisers, consumers, and stakeholders by leveraging our diverse teams and suite of products to enrich the local communities and businesses we serve. Our current portfolio of trusted media brands includes the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, uses innovation and software to enable small and medium-sized businesses to grow, and USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, our events division, creates impactful consumer engagements, promotions, and races. For more information, visit: www.usatodayco.com

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