Evolve. Get involved. One of many ways you can support Detroit Public Radio is by volunteering your time during one of the station's many fundraisers and events, such as WDET's On-Air Pledge Drives. We are always looking for future volunteers to lend a hand to the station, whether it's to answer phones during our pledge drives or help promote the station at WDET sponsored events. WDET's success is in large measure directly related to you and your generous efforts to keep great radio alive! Secure our future: Become a volunteer! To find out how you can support WDET with your time, call Tim Burke, WDET's volunteer coordinator, at 313-577-4146 or tburke@wdetfm.org--or, Click here for more info on volunteering for WDET!


WDET Internship Information
The station is proud to offer internships throughout the year in the following departments: News, Production, Public Relations and DRIS (Detroit Radio Information Service).*

• A list of contacts and a direct email link to each department's intern supervisor is shown at the bottom of this page. All internships are unpaid.

The following descriptions highlight each department's available internships.

WDET 101.9 FM News Internship Opening

If you are looking for a real internship, the WDET news department is looking for you. The news department is seeking interns who are willing to work hard while learning about radio news in a top 10 market. The internship is unpaid, but the experience will be invaluable for anyone hoping to crack the media job market. You'll be interviewing newsmakers and writing stories ... you won't be sweeping floors or making coffee.

Detroit is one of the country's busiest news towns. Newly elected Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is leading the city's comeback efforts. Compuware is moving its headquarters downtown, bringing thousands of new jobs. The development surrounding two new downtown sports stadiums and three casinos are generating controversy over how best to revitalize the downtown area. Metro Detroit is the home of the Big Three automakers, the Kmart Corporation and the country's busiest international border crossing.

Prospective interns must be able to work at least 20 hours per week. Interns must write well and be able to think on their feet in a variety of situations.

Essential Function:

• Interview newsmakers at events and news conferences
• Gather tape from phone interviews
• Write news copy
• Research news stories
• Other duties as assigned
• Ability to work under deadline pressure

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with basics of journalism
• Ability to write clearly, cogently and quickly
• Strong commitment to learning

Send resume, cover letter and writing sample to Jerome Vaughn, Assistant News Director; WDET-FM; 4600 Cass Avenue; Detroit, MI 48201.

WDET 101.9 FM Public Relations Department Opening

The WDET P.R. Department seeks an undergraduate level intern in Public Relations and Promotions for each semester (fall, winter, spring/summer). This is a three-credit hour, twenty-hour workweek internship opportunity.

Responsibilities Include:

• Staff monthly live event and promotions, including movie premiers and music/arts/food fests, and concerts
• Contribute writing to our membership newsletter "AirCheck"
• Assist with WDET merchandise program; fulfill orders and maintain inventory
• Maintain host bio, photo and press clipping files
• Assist with weekly Public Service Announcement (PSA) preparation; monitor incoming PSA materials and create PSA copy for production and broadcast
• Assist in generating media/press releases
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficiency with all standard Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Explorer), good communication skills, knowledge of station and format.

Contact Kevin Piotrowski, Public Relations Director; WDET-FM; 4600 Cass Ave.; Detroit, MI 48201.

Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS) Internship Opportunity -- Marketing/PR/Development

DRIS, a nonprofit human service agency located at WDET-FM, Wayne State University, seeks an intern to work in its public relations/development department. Candidates will assist the director with a variety of projects, such as production (writing, editing, layout) of quarterly newsletter, and assisting with listener relations, outreach, community relations, media relations, special events, and ongoing development and marketing campaigns.

Requirments include:

• 10-15 hours per week. Credit or non-credit students considered. The unpaid internships correspond with college semesters. (Exceptions may be made at the discretion of DRIS management.)
• Flexibility to work in a variety of situations
• Excellent creative and writing skills -- preferably with experience in journalism, public relations or business correspondence
• Good communications skills with an emphasis on persuasive speaking and writing, sales or fund- raising; ability to speak in public and on-air
• Basic office skills including professional phone manner, typing and word-processing; desktop publishing experience a plus
  

Benefits:
This position offers a unique opportunity to use business and communication skills while gaining "hands-on" radio and nonprofit experience. Interns are important members of the DRIS staff. Intern will be able to implement new ideas, follow projects from inception through completion and build a portfolio for future employment.

To Apply: Please forward resume and letter of interest (including your internship goals and desired semester) to Kim Walsh, Director, Detroit Radio Information Service, c/o WDET-FM; 4600 Cass Avenue; Detroit, MI 48201; telephone 577-4146.

DRIS Internship Opportunity -- Radio Board Operator/Production

DRIS, a radio broadcast service for people with print-disabilities at WDET-FM, Wayne State University, seeks interns to work in broadcast studio. The candidate will assist with all areas of radio and production work including live broadcasts, taped programming, radio board operation, automation system, production, assisting volunteer readers/program hosts and a variety of studio tasks as assigned.

Requriments:

• 10-15 hours per week as assigned. Preference given to students receiving credit. The unpaid internships correspond with college semesters. (Exceptions may be made at the discretion of DRIS management.)
• Proficient radio skills with previous classroom and/or hands-on radio board experience
• Good communications skills and ability to work with others
• Ability to work with little supervision following brief orientation and training
• Flexibility to work in a variety of situations
• Willingness to participate in/produce programming at events outside of the station, possibly outside scheduled work shift
• Willingness to read publications on-air when requiredInterest in writing, editing and voicing radio copy
• Commitment to attendance and punctuality

Benefits:
This position offers a unique opportunity to build radio skills while gaining work experience. Interns are important members of the DRIS staff and their ideas are valuable. An intern will be able to implement new methods and build a portfolio for future employment. This is definitely a responsible, hands-on experience.

To Apply: Please forward resume and letter of interest (include personal goals, desired semester and availability) to Kim Walsh, Director, Detroit Radio Information Service, c/o WDET-FM; 4600 Cass Ave.; Detroit, MI 48201; FAX (313) 577-1300. For more information, phone (313) 577-4146.

DRIS Internship Opportunity -- On-Air Reader

In concert with one of the other DRIS internships, on air positions may be incorporated. This option is dependent on availability of shifts and passing an audition.

Internship Contacts, by Department

Those interested in internship opportunities at WDET 101.9 FM should contact the following staff members for more information:

News Department:
Joan Silvi, News Director
313.577.7530 or jsilvi@wdetfm.org.

Production Department:
Matthew Trevethan, Production Director
313.577.8147 or mtrevethan@wdetfm.org.

Public Relations Department:
Kevin Piotrowski, P.R. Director
313.577.3342 or kpiotrowski@wdetfm.org.

DRIS:
Kim Walsh, DRIS Director
313.577.7684 or kwalsh@wdetfm.org.

Job Opportunities At WDET
General Manager
WDET-FM Detroit Public Radio
Position Overview
Wayne State University seeks a creative and visionary leader to serve as General Manager for its public radio station WDET 101.9FM – Detroit Public Radio. The position develops the station’s strategic directions and directs day-to-day operations of the station and supports the University and the station’s mission to serve the community with quality programming. Suitable candidates have a minimum of seven years radio management experience. Public broadcasting experience considered but not required. Candidates will also require knowledge of FCC standards and guidelines, experience and ability to monitor, control and plan budget expenditures, familiarity with audience measurement and analysis tools (e.g. Arbitron), have a strong working knowledge of media sales and fundraising as well as consensus building. Ability to communicate effectively, represent the University and WDET, and be able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. This position is responsible for moving the organization forward, increasing audience and donor support and engaging the station with the community. Knowledge of NPR, CPB and other public broadcast organizations and policies a plus. This is an opportunity for a strong, dynamic leader to work with a dedicated team of managers and talent at one of the nation’s top public radio stations.

For additional information and to apply for this WDET General Manager Position:
Go to the Wayne State University Online Job Postings Page. Search for posting #033897 (titled "General Manager - WDET") AA/EEO


Pledge Partner (Group Volunteering)
WDET highly encourages our community partners to volunteer as a pledge partner group to answer phones during WDET's on-air pledge drives. Typically, corporations, businesses, foundations and organizations support WDET's programming through underwriting in the form of either corporate underwriting or event underwriting. However, did you know that volunteering in addition to underwriting is a great way to build awareness of your business/organization to our listening audience? It is also a great opportunity for corporations, businesses, foundations and organizations to team-build, meet other supporters of Detroit Public Radio and support a great cause.
WDET Volunteer Opportunities

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One of many ways you can support Detroit Public Radio is by volunteering your time during one of the station's many fundraisers and events. WDET's success is in large measure directly related to you and your generous efforts to keep great radio alive! Secure our future: Become a volunteer! To find out how you can support WDET with your time, call Tim Burke, WDET's Membership Manager, at 313-577-9526 or tburke@wdetfm.org -- or click RIGHT NOW to check out volunteer opportunities currently available.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Latoya Underwood, e-mail: lunderwood@wdetfm.org
Tim Burke, e-mail: tburke@wdetfm.org

WDET Membership Line: 313-577-4226



Get involved. One of many ways you can support Detroit Public Radio is by volunteering your time during one of the station's many fundraisers and events, such as the upcoming Spring Fundraiser! The fundraiser takes place from Thursday, April 19 through Saturday, April 28. WDET's success is in large measure directly related to you and your generous efforts to keep great radio alive! Secure our future: Become a volunteer! To find out how you can support WDET with your time during the upcoming pledge drive, call Tim Burke, WDET's volunteer coordinator, at 313-577-4146 or tburke@wdetfm.org--or click RIGHT NOW to check out information on volunteering for the summer fundraiser as well as volunteer shifts for the drive.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A PLEDGE!