WBD Academic Year Internships (WAY): CNN DC News - Fall 2026
Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are…
When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
WBD Academic Year Internships (WAY): CNN DC - Fall 2026
Application Deadline: On or before Friday, August 21st
*Pro Tip: Submit your application as soon as possible – applications could close earlier due to applicant volume!*
WAY Internship Program
We are excited to offer the Warner Brothers Discovery Academic Year Internship Program (WAY) for the 2026-2027 academic year. This six-month internship, running from the fall through the spring semester, is designed for high-performing rising seniors to be placed into extended internship opportunities. Interns will enhance their professional skills and deepen their understanding of our businesses and culture, ideally positioning themselves for future post-grad opportunities to continue their growth and success.
Please note that while this internship is an excellent way to prepare for a potential career at WBD, participation in the program does not guarantee a future job offer. However, this role is an excellent opportunity to be considered for the CNN News Associate Program or an entry level CNN role.
Your New Role
We may have multiple WAY internship opportunities available. By applying to this posting, you will be considered for multiple WAY internship opportunities located in the DC area. The selected interns will be expected to join us in the office on a regular cadence based on the intern manager’s in office schedule.
Example internship opportunities could include:
WAY CNN DC Desk Newsgathering Intern: DC
WAY CNN Political Unit Intern: DC
WAY The Lead with Jake Tapper Intern: DC
Your Role Accountabilities
Duties could include:
Daily news research
Diligent fact-checking
Tape logging
Assistance with on-site interviews and location stakeouts
Other editorial/production activities as needed
Monitor live political events (virtually and potentially in-person) and write clean, accurate recap notes or stories
Assist with political research requests from reporters and shows
Track developments in voting and election rules
Assist with other political coverage as needed
Opportunity to pitch story ideas, contribute to research, observe daily operations.
Creating graphics and content for social media.
Assist in screening video for air as well as learning to write editorial copy.
Qualifications & Experience
Essentials needed for the various positions listed. These do not all have to apply to every single role:
Broadcast Journalism, Media or Communications major are preferred
Strong current events knowledge and interest in news and politics
Knowledge of CNN news platforms (network shows, website)
Candidates should be motivated, self-starters, detail-oriented multitaskers who function well under deadline pressures
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Ability to iterate quickly and respond to feedback
Requirements
Must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university degree program for the full duration of the internship (proof of enrollment required)
Must be a rising Senior undergraduate, graduating in Spring 2027 (18 years or older)
Must be in academic good standing (3.0 or above cumulative GPA). A copy of your transcript will be required to verify your GPA if an offer is extended.
This position is part of the WBD Academic Year (WAY) internship program. The program duration is 6 months, running from early October to mid-April. Candidates will be expected to commit to the entire 6-month duration.
Warner Bros. Discovery will only consider candidates who are presently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and who will not require work visa sponsorship from Warner Bros. Discovery now or in the future in order to retain their authorization to work in the United States. Candidates currently on any student or exchange visa, including F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, J-1, M-1, etc., will not be eligible for the internship program.
What To Know Before Applying:
This internship will last the duration of the Fall – Spring semester. The dates are as follows:
Start Date: October 12th
End Date: April 16th
Interns will be expected to work 16-24 hours per week in a hybrid capacity.
Our internships are paid opportunities with a competitive hourly wage. Credit is not required; however, we will provide the necessary documentation for school credit if desired. Relocation is not provided.
Interviewing will take place from early August through mid-September. A WBD team member will contact you if your experiences and interests match an open internship position. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to give individual status updates.
About Our Internship Program
WBD's Internship Program is designed to nurture students professionally and personally. We attract the country’s boldest and brightest students for paid, for-credit, real-world internship experiences in the entertainment, tech, sports, news and media industries. We offer career-defining opportunities to learn valuable skills that will help you prepare for a successful future.
Ready to learn more? Here’s what we offer:
Hands-on work with passionate, talented team members in your field
Mentorship from some of the industry’s kindest and most passionate entertainment veterans
Engaging events including professional development seminars, panels with recruiters and former interns, intern-exclusive events, and so much more
Access to top-level executives and employees through our Speaker Series and Roundtables
Incredible networking opportunities with industry-leading professionals and a robust intern alumni network
A creative, collaborative, and inclusive company culture
What you can expect to take away from the semester:
Opportunities to develop professionally and uncover skills you didn’t know you had
The insider scoop on the entertainment industry and what happens behind the scenes
Relationships that will go beyond your collegiate career
Real-life experiences that will provide you with the confidence to delve into your next adventure
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing compensation for roles in locations where legally required. Pay Rate: $19 per hour USD for undergrad interns, $25 per hour USD for graduate level interns.
How We Get Things Done…
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
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, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status 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.