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WXPN / NPR Radio World Cafe Internship (In-Person Only)

For more than 30 years, WXPN’s nationally syndicated radio program, World Cafe, has been the place where public radio audiences get their first “before they were famous” look at emerging musicians and connect deeply with legendary performers. World Cafe is distributed to hundreds of radio stations across the USA via NPR and can also be found on the web at worldcafe.npr.org (as well as wherever you listen to podcasts). 

The NPR World Cafe Intern will gain a firm understanding of the production process of a public radio music show, as well as serve as a learning experience for those interested in pursuing a career in radio, music production, A&R, podcasting, or other broadcast media in general.

Duties:

  • Compile press and background information on artists to help the hosts and producers prepare for interviews. 
  • Assist with artist hospitality when bands are being recorded on site.
  • Prepare and distribute World Cafe’s daily playlists, promos, and rundowns (information about what is in each show that stations who broadcast World Cafe need before the daily broadcast).
  • Transcribe interview content.
  • Assist the Engineer with recording live performances for World Cafe and during the Free at Noon concert series that WXPN hosts on Fridays.
  • Work with the Line-Producer to help put together the daily show using Pro Tools and other audio software.
  •  Create edited versions of songs in Pro Tools and put together initial edits of interviews/performances in Pro Tools under the direction of World Cafe’s producers.
  • Archive interview and performance session audio to preserve World Cafe content.
  • Plus, other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Applicants must be available between 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday at WXPN Offices (30th & Walnut St.
  • Successful candidates will be highly motivated with exceptional attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work independently.
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks and work under tight deadlines is needed.
  • An interest in exploring a career in media/entertainment and a familiarity with the music of WXPN and World Cafe are desirable, as is any previous experience with recording or production equipment.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 is preferred.
  • Experience using Pro Tools or other digital audio workstations is preferred. (An eagerness to learn is also okay)

Check Out Zach Levin’s experience as the NPR World Cafe Intern through the 2023 Summer Humanities Internship Program.

Interested students should include a resume and cover letter that showcases their skills with their application.

Application Procedure

To apply for this or any of the other SHIP internships, please follow the instructions at the Summer Humanities Internship Program homepage.