Military Veterans in Journalism is pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with CNN to get more veterans into their newsrooms. As part of this effort, MVJ and CNN will select two MVJ members to participate in CNN’s 15-month News Associates program.
CNN’s News Associates program will give these aspiring military veteran journalists skills needed for the next level in their careers and help them build a network of experienced, world-class journalists. News Associates are paid and receive benefits for the duration of their program.
MVJ is currently seeking applicants for one of the two openings to tentatively start in late August at CNN’s Washington, D.C. newsroom. The second fellow will start several months later.
Application deadline: July 14, 2022, at 6 PM Eastern.
During the fellowship’s 15 months, News Associates will:
- Work with newsroom management to support news coverage and show production.
- Print scripts for anchors, operate the teleprompter and greet guests.
- Work with live producers, show staff and reporters on live shots, show production, and coverage of live events.
- Work with digital teams on researching and writing stories for CNN.com.
- Monitor a variety of sources, including social media, wires and local news to assist in news gathering efforts.
- Conduct research at the direction of producers and desk management, which may include identifying video or digital stories.
- Pitch stories for various CNN networks and platforms.
Interested candidates should note what CNN is looking for:
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- At least one internship in a news environment and previous newsroom experience is preferred.
- Strong general news judgment and editorial skills.
- Strong writing skills.
- Ability to multitask and make fast decisions.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Computer literacy with a working knowledge of social media.
- Schedule flexibility – be prepared to work various shifts including overnights and weekends, as CNN’s newsroom is staffed 24 hours a day.
“We at Military Veterans in Journalism are proud to work with CNN in our shared goal of diversifying America’s newsrooms through the hiring of more military veterans,” said Zack Baddorf, MVJ’s Executive Director. “This collaboration with CNN’s News Associates program has proven to be a great opportunity for military veteran journalists to develop skills essential to success in this industry. We’re pleased to provide this chance again this year to support the career growth of veterans in journalism.”
“I have always valued the experiences and culture of veterans and what they bring to the workplace,”said CNN Chairman and CEO, Chris Licht. “I look forward to continuing to champion their voices and stories in our newsrooms through CNN’s News Associates program.”
In 2021, CNN hosted two military veteran journalists as part of Military Veterans in Journalism’s Fellowship program. Both of the fellows, Drew Lawrence and Alonzo Clark, have cited the value their experience as News Associates brought to their ongoing success as journalists. Read more of what they had to say on our Impact page.
