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Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internships

Postmark deadline: January 16, 2012

About the Program

The Society of Professional Journalists annually awards two Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internships. One intern works in the offices of the Society’s First Amendment legal counsel in Washington, D.C. The other intern works at the Society’s National Headquarters in Indianapolis.

The interns research and write about freedom of information issues while assisting the Society’s Freedom of Information Committee and First Amendment legal counsel in preparing SPJ’s annual Freedom of Information Report. Other responsibilities may include working on the SPJ Web site and assisting with SPJ programs and initiatives.

Interns receive a stipend of $400 per week and work during a mutually agreeable 10-week period during the summer. Recipients are notified in February and should arrange to start their internships in late May or early June.

History/Administration

The Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internships are awarded in memory of Bernard “Barney” Kilgore, an early and active member of the Society of Professional Journalists and former chairman of the board of Dow Jones & Co. Inc., the parent company of The Wall Street Journal; and Eugene C. Pulliam, a founder of Sigma Delta Chi and Central Newspapers Inc.

Internships are funded by the Society’s educational foundation, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

Application Requirements

*Please clearly indicate for which internship you are applying*

To be considered, applicants must include the following:

— Completed application
— Résumé
— A one-page essay that illustrates your understanding of Freedom of Information issues and what you expect to gain from the internship
— No more than five writing samples

Applicants must be journalism students who are entering or just completing their senior year, a graduate journalism student, or a law student with a journalism background.

About the SPJ Headquarters Internship

The intern selected to work at the Society’s National Headquarters in Indianapolis writes for the Freedom of Information issue of Quill magazine, published annually in September. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in writing and reporting.

— Updating comprehensive contact lists for federal and state agencies
— Working on other FOI-related projects of the Society
— Attending and assisting with various SPJ Headquarters-related events

About the Washington, D.C., Internship

The intern selected to work in the law offices of Baker & Hostetler – the Society’s First Amendment legal counsel in Washington, D.C. – primarily works on researching and writing SPJ’s annual Pulliam/Kilgore Report. The report addresses a Freedom of Information topic of interest to journalists and attorneys. The 5,000- to 6,000-word report is distributed at the Society’s National Convention. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in law or be able to demonstrate a solid interest in law and the ability to conduct the responsibilities required.

Other duties of the Washington, D.C., intern include:

— Writing stories for Quill magazine
— Attending hearings on Capitol Hill that are of interest to SPJ
— Representing SPJ at various Washington, D.C., events

Where to Send Applications/Get More Information

*Please clearly indicate for which internship you are applying*

Postmark deadline: January 16, 2012.

Society of Professional Journalists
PK Internship/C.O. Joe Skeel
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208

For more information:
Joe Skeel, Executive Director
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317/927-8000, ext. 216
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