Fairfax Media Launches Search for 2012–13 Journalism Interns

2 July 2012

Fairfax Media Launches Search for 2012–13 Journalism Interns

Applicants for the Fairfax Media journalism intern scheme will have to upload a video clip of not more than 90 seconds about themselves to YouTube as part of the application process this year.

The search for New Zealand best and brightest journalism prospects to undertake journalism study next year was launched by Fairfax Media Group Executive Editor Paul Thompson today.

“We believe the sort of people we’re seeking for our intern scheme will have little trouble undertaking the additional task of uploading a video clip about themselves to YouTube and will enjoy using this form of media to tell us why they should be selected,” Mr Thompson said. “We’re seeking the journalists of tomorrow and being able to undertake such tasks is part of our business today.”

Fairfax Media is New Zealand’s largest newspaper, magazine and web publisher and the search for interns again in 2012 is a sign of the company’s belief in itself, its journalism and the future.

Mr Thompson said there had been much negative news lately about media companies which were having to adjust the way they did business in fast-changing circumstances.

But journalism remained a career of huge variety, opportunity and importance, and the company wanted to ensure it continued to attract the best journalists for the future.

“We’re positive about the future and the fact we have an intern scheme across the country demonstrates that,” he said.

The annual intern search was an opportunity for prospective journalists to display their skills.

“We need journalists who reflect the diverse community that is New Zealand today,” he said. “We also need more digitally-savvy people who can craft the words, pictures, video, graphics and other elements into great reads across our publications, websites and other platforms, work that is under-pinned by the traditional journalistic values that will always be important.”

The scheme began in 2006 and interns are now reaching senior editorial positions across the group.

Successful applicants will undergo training next year at leading journalism schools, after which they will join publications or websites of their choice.

Applications for this year’s intern scheme open on Monday, July 2, 2012, and close at noon on Wednesday, July 25. The application period is slightly shorter this year.

Applicants first have to complete an on-line written test including the YouTube clip by July 25. These will be assessed and, based on those results, would-be interns will then be asked to undergo general knowledge, numeracy, spelling and grammar and writing tests between 10 and 12 noon on the morning of Saturday, August 18, 2012, at sites throughout the country.

The tests will be marked and editors, editorial leaders and journalism school representatives will then select applicants they wish to interview. The process should be completed by late October.

Among other things, the scheme offers participants:

• The opportunity to study for a year at one of the participating institutions
• Work experience during course holidays at one of Fairfax's publications;
• Reimbursement of course fees to successful applicants
• Employment with a Fairfax publication at the conclusion of the course.
• On-going training and career development.

Fairfax owns nine daily newspapers including The Dominion Post and The Press, two national Sunday newspapers, the Stuff, BusinessDay and RugbyHeaven websites among others, a vast range of magazines, an editorial production centre, a magazine publishing business, and more than 50 community newspapers throughout the country.

Successful interns will undergo year-long training for a Diploma or Graduate Diploma in Journalism at Massey University, Wellington, the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Aoraki Polytechnic, Dunedin, the Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, or other journalism schools where applicable. Where possible, successful applicants will be trained in the institution of their choice.

Fairfax also runs a comprehensive workplace training programme for young journalists.

On the successful completion of their course, participants will be reimbursed for their course fees. Successful applicants will agree to work for Fairfax for two years.

For further details, go to http://www.fairfaxmedia.co.nz/careers/journalism-internships.dot

About Fairfax Media
Fairfax Media is an innovative, integrated multi-media business with strong brands across multiple platforms including newspapers, magazines and digital.

Fairfax Media has two national, nine daily and more than 60 community newspapers, 25+ magazines, and market leading website stuff.co.nz.

Click here to see the company’s full portfolio of media brands.

ENDS

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