Reflections: Interning for Public Radio by Allie Ehrenreich

Posted by: Allie Ehrenreich (aehrenre@colby.edu) on Thu, July 28, 2011, 9:58 a.m.

Here and Now, where I’ve spent a good part of my summer interning, is a National Public Radio program out of Boston's WBUR. The office is small, bustling and its occupants grow notably tense as noon--airtime--approaches, but the vibe is driven, if slightly frenzied, and it appeals to me. I like it.

I'm in my fourth week at this part-time internship, and the first story I've pitched aired Tuesday (if interested, you can listen here). The story itself—on how some Manhattan pet shops are banning drunk puppy buying—was not terribly time-sensitive nor was it of vital importance. Rather it reflects the lighter side of the Here and Now ‘news magazine,’ placed alongside stories of America’s debt talks, Whitey Bulger’s arrest and other, more news-worthy matters.

Intern duties really run the gamut. I’m there to help gather audio, to make cuts and pitch, research and edit stories; and, I’ll be honest—I’ve also fetched lunch.

The goal of this internship is to walk away as a producer on the show, with some supervision, of course. The office, in fact, is made up of producers and the one host, Robin Young, who conducts almost all of the interviews. I enjoy the people who surround me at Here and Now. They are an eclectic bunch, information junkies and just interesting to be around. I enjoy watching and learning from them. And finally, I’m getting the sense that I’ve found a place there, although there’s certainly a long way to go.

I’ll report back to you with more on this story as it unfolds, but for now, I’m Allison Ehrenreich. Enjoy your summer months.