At a Glance
- Tasks: Join CNN's news desk to report, write, and produce engaging stories.
- Company: Be part of the iconic CNN team in London, shaping international news.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and access to professional development courses.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and connect with a supportive network of interns.
- Why this job: Kickstart your journalism career with real-world experience at a leading news organisation.
- Qualifications: Passion for news, strong writing skills, and a collaborative spirit.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 29000 £ per year.
CNN’s award-winning news desk in London is looking for an intern who wants to pursue a career in international and breaking news. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in reporting, writing and multimedia storytelling, with an ability to spot stories that will resonate with CNN’s audience across platforms – from TV to digital. Proficiency in another language is desirable, but not essential. A degree is not a must-have, but a passion for journalism is.
Your Role Accountabilities
- Work closely with editors and reporters to monitor developing news stories
- Research and contribute to reporting as directed by editors
- Report, write and produce articles for cnn.com
- Contribute to CNN’s live story and newsletters
- Pitch news and feature stories
- Collaborate with news video, photo and design teams
Qualifications & Experience
- Undergraduate or postgraduate journalism degree (not essential), and/or vocational training
- Passion for international news and knowledge of current affairs
- Proven research experience
- Demonstrated news writing experience (e.g., links to news articles, blog posts)
- Collaborative, with excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Organized, detail-oriented
- Ability to work quickly and to deadline, managing time and multiple priorities effectively
- Proactive, eager to learn and willing to support the news team with a variety of tasks
The Internship
- Salary: £29,000p/a (pro rata)
- Contract Length: 6 months
- Start Date: 1st September 2026
You will gain hands‑on experience working on business‑critical projects. You will have access to personal and professional development courses, executive speakers’ series, special screenings and more. You will be part of our Early Talent network of over 100 interns & apprentices, meaning you will have an important support network of other students, graduates and apprentices and plenty of opportunities to socialise!
Hybrid Working
This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in‑office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law. If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
CNN News Desk Reporting Intern employer: CNN
CNN's London news desk offers an exceptional internship experience for aspiring journalists, providing hands-on involvement in international and breaking news reporting. With a strong emphasis on personal and professional development, interns benefit from access to training courses, networking opportunities, and a supportive community of over 100 peers. The hybrid working model fosters flexibility while promoting a diverse and inclusive work culture, making CNN an outstanding employer for those passionate about journalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CNN News Desk Reporting Intern
✨Dive into Digital Journalism Communities
Join online platforms like Medium or Substack where aspiring journalists share their work. Engage with posts and connect with writers in your niche; a little visibility can go a long way, especially when hunting for internships like the one at CNN.
✨Leverage University Partnerships
Tap into your university’s career services! Many have connections with media outlets and offer internship fairs. Don’t hesitate to ask about contacts they have – they might know exactly how to get your foot in the door for that coveted CNN News Desk Reporting Intern spot.
✨Create a Compelling Portfolio
Put together an online portfolio showcasing your best articles, blogs, or multimedia work. Having a platform like a personal website or an easy-to-navigate Behance page can leave a lasting impression, especially when applying for internships at places like CNN.
✨Pitch Ideas to Blogs and Local Publications
Want to stand out? Instead of waiting for openings, pitch your ideas to local blogs or smaller publications. It’s a great way to build your portfolio and gain invaluable experience that can help you land that internship at CNN.
We think you need these skills to ace CNN News Desk Reporting Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Story:In journalism and media, your ability to tell a compelling story is key. Use your cover letter to illustrate your passion for storytelling—whether it’s through articles, blogs, or video content. Show us how you engage your audience and present information.
Show Off Your Portfolio:As an intern, you want to highlight your potential—so make sure to include a portfolio that showcases your best work. Whether it’s articles, video clips, or social media campaigns, we want to see your creativity and how you handle different formats.
Demonstrate Your Research Skills:Research skills are essential in journalism. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or experiences where you've conducted thorough research. We love seeing candidates who know how to gather information and verify sources—it's a great indicator of your potential in the field!
Tailor Your CV for Journalism:Make sure your CV reflects your experience in journalism specifically. Include any relevant positions, internships, or volunteer roles, listing key responsibilities and achievements. Don't forget to mention any published work and skills like interviewing, editing, or using media tools!
How to prepare for a job interview at CNN
✨Showcase Your Writing Samples
As a journalism intern, it’s crucial to have a few strong writing samples ready to impress. Pick articles or pieces that highlight your style and versatility - whether they're news articles, features, or opinion pieces. Bring them along to your interview at CNN to show you’ve got the chops!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions, particularly around ethics in journalism or how you'd handle a tight deadline. Think about real-world situations you might encounter in a newsroom and be ready to discuss how you'd tackle them. This will help demonstrate your critical thinking and quick decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Trends
Stay updated on current events and trends within the media landscape. Be prepared to discuss your thoughts on the impact of social media on journalism or recent developments in the industry. This showcases your passion and engagement, which is vital for an intern role at CNN.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As an intern, your motivation and willingness to learn are key. During the interview, share why you’re excited about the internship at CNN and how you see it helping you grow as a journalist. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates who've got the skills but may lack that spark.
