At WPFW, we power Jazz and Justice on the radio airwaves from Washington, DC. We boldly educate on and amplify movements fighting for Black liberation, environmental justice, worker’s rights, and global solidarity. Our music reflects our values, playing Jazz and a range of music rooted in love, joy, grief, unity, and resistance. We are proudly listener-supported and 100% commercial-free community radio.
We’re looking for DC organizers with vision and a voice. In one year, WPFW will be celebrating 50 years on air. Our team at WPFW wants to work with eager students who want to make our work sustainable now and for the next 50 years.
Interns in this position will assist the General Manager with essential tasks that support continued social media engagement growth to generate and increase sustainable community awareness of radio programs.
Assignments may include social media content management, minor video editing and graphic design, and assistance with event planning and execution.
Interns will have exposure to and opportunities to participate in WPFW meetings, radio programs and public events. Interns applying for this position should be able to focus on long-term projects as well as on logistical and administrative tasks.
Applicants must be a college or university student during the duration of the internship period. Applicants should be able to articulate a commitment to work in public radio and social movements. Qualified applicants are enthusiastic, creative, proactive, and detail-oriented; have excellent research, writing, communication, and interpersonal skills; and can work independently.
The applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is May 18. The application process may close early if the right candidates are selected, so applying sooner is better.
Applications must be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. be in PDF format and include the following:
Cover Letter that includes:
A statement describing why you want to work at WPFW, and
Any particular social justice issues or movements that interest you and why.
Resume.
We highly encourage applicants to share any technical skills on their résumé, which may include, but are not limited to, their knowledge of Slack, Zoom, and project-management tools.
Writing Sample.
After we receive your application materials, you will be notified that we received it and if you were selected for an interview. All interviews will be conducted via videoconference.
Interviews for applicants will be held in late May and early June. Applicants will be informed soon after the interviews if they’ve been selected.
This Communications Internship position is a hybrid (virtual and in-person) part-time, 12-week position (averaging 240 hours over the course of the internship). The 12-week internship will begin on Monday, June 8 and end Friday, August 28.
Interns will be paid a rate of $20 per hour. Interns are strongly encouraged to apply for academic credit and/or seek funds through public interest fellowships.
Interns must reside in the District of Columbia and be able to attend in-person events in various locations in the DMV as needed.
WPFW is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and individuals with past involvement in the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
WPFW has been a stalwart home for emancipatory music and movements since 1977.
In honor of and beginning in Jazz Appreciation Month, WPFW will present the radio documentary "No Regrets: The Music and Spirit of Billie Holiday". The program will air every Wednesday at 5pm, and Thursday at 2pm, beginning April 1 through May 13, the 13-part series examines Holiday's early life, the evolution of her singing style, her activism, and other topics related to her career.
The purpose of WPFW-FM Pacifica is to provide outlets for the creative skills and energies of the community, to contribute to a lasting understanding between individuals of all nations, races, creeds and colors, and to promote the full distribution of public information. Programming on WPFW will principally be a mix of jazz, Third World music, news and public affairs.
The airwaves at 89.3 will be an accessible media outlet for Blacks, Hispanics, cultural groups, women, seniors, youth and other ethnic and non-traditional groups. WPFW programming will make the concept of community radio real by providing the local majority population with important and relevant education, information and entertainment. Through its programming the station will act as a networking agent for the community at large. WPFW's air will be commercial free and in conformance with Pacifica Foundation resolutions prohibiting commercial under- writing of programming.
Programming will lend itself to an on-air listener participation, will strive to exemplify journalistic integrity, and will work toward being engaging and intellectually stimulating.
Jazz, a major American art form which grows from the African-American experience, will be the major music programming. WPFW will act as archivist, educator, and entertainer on behalf of this under served national cultural resource.
WPFW is dedicated to programming which reflects progressive social change and democracy. The station will continue and further a global, humanistic, and futuristic approach to news, public affairs, the creative arts and cultural programming. Internally WPFW will work to upgrade the quality of work at all levels.
Our continued use of and high regard for volunteers will provide an opportunity for individual skill development in radio broadcast techniques, and broadcast management. Volunteer opportunities will be available in most areas of program administration.
For nearly 50 years, WPFW remains free of corporate underwriting and influence, beholden only to our listeners. Through volunteerism, WPFW provides members of our community the opportunity to learn broadcasting and to gain a better understanding of the global community in which we live.
An Interview with Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera by Katea Stitt, WPFW Program Director
Read more: An Interview with Cuban Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera
WPFW
1500 Eckington Place NE
Washington, DC 20002
