Summer 2026 Internship

About The Dispatch:
At a time of growing industry uncertainty and an alarming erosion of civic discourse, The Dispatch stands out as a platform for thoughtful coverage, respectful dialogue, and a wildly engaged community of paying members. We bring a perspective—we’re right-of-center—but we’re fiercely independent, standing apart from media outlets increasingly engaged in partisan boosterism. Started in 2019 by Steve Hayes, the editor-in-chief of The Weekly Standard, and Jonah Goldberg, editor at National Review, The Dispatch has filled a valuable gap in the media ecosystem as captured by articles in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, and other publications.

Overview:
The Dispatch is pleased to offer its 2026 summer editorial internship program. This is a 10-week opportunity based in our Washington, D.C., office, beginning June 1 and ending August 7. This is a hands-on internship that will provide invaluable experience for aspiring journalists who want to participate in the editorial process of a thriving media business. The interns will work closely with The Dispatch’s reporters, staff writers, and editors to contribute to The Dispatch’s website and newsletters.

Responsibilities:
• Contribute to standalone and explanatory articles for The Dispatch website, newsletters such as The Morning Dispatch, and fact checks.
• Assist in reporting, writing, editing, fact-checking, and producing Dispatch articles and newsletters.
• May assist in social media and audio/video production.
• Interview key people (witnesses, sources, etc.) to obtain pertinent information for reporting and explainers.
• Establish contacts and sources for use in future research.
• Produce one long-term reported project over the course of the 10-week internship, to be turned in before the internship’s completion.
• Keep abreast of news developments by studying papers, attending events, etc.
• Transcription of interviews, research tasks, and other duties that support the work of the editorial team.

Skills and Qualifications:
• Current enrollment in a related undergraduate or master’s degree program. Those graduating in 2026 are eligible.
• Desire to pursue a career in journalism.
• Ability to follow strict deadlines and take direction, correction, and constructive feedback professionally.
• Familiarity with American politics, media, conservatism/classical liberalism.
• Proficiency with the news media ecosystem and active knowledge of today’s big stories.
• Computer proficiency (MS Office, Google, web search, databases).
• Excellent communication and critical thinking skills.

This is a paid internship unless the intern is receiving funding from another source, such as a foundation, fellowship, or their college. Compensation is $17.95/hour for 30 hours/week. Applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and a writing sample no later than February 20.