Top news companies for entry-level employees offer a wide range of opportunities, from investigative reporting and digital storytelling to audio production and specialized educational publishing. News organizations play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, and starting your career at one of these institutions provides a unique chance to contribute to meaningful work while developing essential skills.
Entry-level roles in the news industry are diverse, including positions such as News Assistants, Editorial Interns, Junior Reporters, and Multimedia Producers. These positions often provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge tools and practices. Whether you aim to break major stories, engage local communities, or craft educational content, understanding the landscape of top news organizations can help you make informed decisions about where to begin your journey.
In this guide, we’ll highlight top news organizations, share insights into their entry-level roles, and provide examples of leaders who started their careers at these institutions. We’ll also discuss why these organizations are prestigious, what unique benefits they offer, and tips for navigating their application processes. If you’re ready to take the first step toward an impactful journalism career, read on for actionable advice and resources to help you succeed.
Trends in the News Industry
The news industry is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in digital technology and changing consumer habits. More organizations are prioritizing multimedia content, including video and podcasts, to engage audiences across platforms. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with newsrooms actively seeking to reflect the communities they serve. Subscription-based revenue models are also gaining traction, as traditional advertising declines in favor of reader-supported journalism.
These trends highlight the importance of adaptability and continuous learning for early-career journalists. Employers increasingly value candidates who bring technical skills, such as data analysis or video editing, alongside traditional reporting expertise. Staying abreast of these developments can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Here are a few of the top news companies for entry-level employees to consider:
The New York Times
The New York Times (NYT) is synonymous with journalistic excellence and a commitment to uncovering the truth. If you are still in school, consider The Times Corps is a talent-pipeline program for college students in the United States to receive career guidance from New York Times journalists over a multiyear period. Students can also look into the 10-week summer Internship program, providing experience outside of the newsroom, in areas such as technology, advertising, marketing, data, and product & design. Other internship opportunities include
the Dow Jones News Fund’s Summer Internship. (Those chosen by The Times are placed onto selected news editing desks.) The Times also participates in the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship run by the International Women’s Media Foundation. The New York Times also offers a one-year Fellowship (paid work program) aimed at cultivating the next generation of top journalists.
BuzzFeed News
For those interested in digital-first reporting, BuzzFeed News offers a dynamic work environment tailored to modern media consumption. Entry-level positions often include Editorial Internships and Junior Reporter roles, The organization is known for its innovative storytelling methods and ability to engage younger audiences.
While BuzzFeed News emphasizes creativity and innovation, it also provides structured mentorship programs for early-career journalists. Former employees, such as Anne Helen Petersen, have transitioned to prominent roles in academia and publishing, showcasing the versatility of experience gained here. Check their careers page for available positions.
NPR (National Public Radio)
A mission driven organization, each of the 900+ employees working for NPR across the globe has a shared goal — to create a more informed public. National Public Radio (NPR) is ideal for aspiring journalists with a passion for storytelling through audio and multimedia platforms. Recent granduates can apply for the The NPR Kroc Fellowship, a yearlong program designed to identify and develop the next generation of extraordinary public media journalists. Many graduates of the fellowship program continue to work at NPR and member stations across the country.
NPR has a rich history of nurturing talent, with alumni like Audie Cornish and Guy Raz, who have become influential figures in broadcasting. The organization’s focus on in-depth reporting and public service journalism ensures meaningful work for those starting their careers. Beyond fellowships, check out NPR’s LinkedIn page for current job openings
ProPublica
If investigative journalism is your passion, ProPublica offers exceptional opportunities to dive into meaningful work from day one. Since they began publishing in 2008, ProPublica has received seven Pulitzer Prizes, five Peabody Awards, eight Emmy Awards and 15 George Polk Awards. Known for its impactful reporting on systemic issues, investigative journalism by ProPublica intends to do more than just expose wrongdoing and injustice. If you are passionate about using your journalistic skills to to spark real-world change, consider the opportunities at ProPublica.
ProPublica provides roles like Reporting Fellowships and Research Assistants. An emphasis on mentorship ensures entry-level employees work alongside some of the most respected journalists in the field. Find their current openings on the ProPublica Jobs page.
Scholastic News
Passionate about the mission to mission to better the lives of all children? For those drawn to educational publishing, Scholastic News offers unique opportunities to combine journalism with education. Entry-level positions, such as Editorial Associates and Junior Editors, start at around $48,000 annually. Scholastic’s focus on delivering age-appropriate news to young readers makes it a fulfilling workplace for those passionate about education and media.
Working at Scholastic News not only builds editorial skills but also deepens an understanding of educational frameworks. Many employees have transitioned to prominent roles in both publishing and education sectors. Visit Scholastic’s careers page to explore opportunities.
Hyperlocal News: Patch Media
For individuals passionate about community-focused journalism, Patch Media offers an excellent entry point into hyperlocal news. Patch operates a network of local news websites, covering neighborhoods and small towns across the U.S. Entry-level positions, such as Local Editors and Reporters, often start at around $45,000 annually.
Working at Patch Media provides the unique challenge of covering a diverse range of stories, from local government issues to human-interest pieces. Employees gain firsthand experience in community engagement and grassroots reporting, which are invaluable skills in the industry. Visit the Patch LinkedIn Page to learn more.
Tips for Applying
Top news companies for entry-level employees can be competitive, but preparation and persistence pay off. Be prepared to speak to current issues… both those of interest to your outlet, as well as the industry. Poynter.org is a great resource to stay on top of the latest issues and trends in the news industry. Start by tailoring your resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant skills like writing, research, and multimedia production. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with current employees and seek informational interviews. Additionally, maintain a professional online portfolio showcasing your best work, whether it’s articles, podcasts, or multimedia projects. Finally, use these AI prompts to help you prepare.
Finally, stay proactive. Many of these organizations recruit seasonally, so mark key deadlines and submit applications early. Persistence and genuine passion for journalism often make a lasting impression.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for the next post in our Top Companies for Entry-Level Employees series, where we’ll dive into Top Publishing Companies for Entry-Level Employees. Whether your interests lie in trade publishing, academic journals, or digital content, we’ll provide insights into the best companies to launch your publishing career.
