What is The Peter Roth Internship Program?

The Peter Roth Internship Program, named in honor of the legendary television executive, offers 20 talented undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, underserved communities, and underrepresented groups in the media and entertainment industry an unrivaled paid apprenticeship experience for those interested in a career developing, writing, and producing scripted content for television. This prestigious internship has been created to inspire the next generation of television professionals to embody Peter Roth’s visionary ideals including his commitment to innovative storytelling, his love for writers, and his passion for the art form of television. The program will also underscore the critical importance of nurturing a diverse array of creative voices and portrayals on television—a hallmark of Peter Roth’s career.

The Paley Center will offer students a comprehensive, paid internship that expands upon the institution’s long-running accredited internship programs and includes three key components for an unparalleled educational experience. Using the renowned Paley Archive and its unmatched collection of television programming, the Paley Center will offer an extensive course to help students better understand the importance of diverse voices and portrayals on television. Interns will also attend guest lectures, meet-and-greets, and Q&A sessions with television executives, talent, showrunners, writers, and other members of a creative team to gain an appreciation for the art of storytelling. The program will also include first-hand experience working at the Paley Center providing a valuable understanding of both the business and creative sides of television.

The Peter Roth Internship Program is made possible by generous support from Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY Alliance, The Berlanti Family Foundation, The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, and The Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams Family Foundation.

What are the program hours for The Peter Roth Internship?

The Peter Roth Internship program runs from June 4, 2024, through July 11, 2024.

• Program will be conducted Tuesday through Thursday each week, plus Friday, June 14, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ET for a total of 119 hours, unless time is shifted to allow participation in a Paley program that is in the early morning, evening, or on the weekend. Please note that Wednesday, June 19 (Juneteenth) and Thursday, July 4 will be holidays.

The internship will be held in-person at the Paley Center in New York City.

Who is eligible to apply to The Peter Roth Internship Program?

• Students from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a college degree program at an accredited college/university with a GPA of 3.2 or higher and who will be a junior or senior in the fall of 2024.
• Interns must confirm they can commit to the timeline of the internship from June to July 2024.
• Must have the legal right to work in the United States. (If offered a position, the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 requires you to furnish proof of your employment eligibility and identity before you can begin work.)

What criteria will be used to select candidates?

Selection as a Peter Roth Intern is based on a combination of the following criteria:

• A strong interest in pursuing a career in television.
• A talented, enthusiastic and highly motivated individual who demonstrates the following:
  • Evidence of exemplary academic achievement and exceptional leadership skills.
  • Outstanding verbal communication and superior writing skills.
  • Evidence of the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • A positive and professional demeanor with excellent interpersonal skills.
  • An ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks while being extremely organized and detail-oriented.
  • Evidence of their creativity and resourcefulness with strong problem-solving skills.
• Junior or senior level year of study by September 2024.
• GPA of 3.2 or higher

Will I be paid as part of The Peter Roth Internship Program?

Yes, interns will be paid $16 per hour.

When can I apply to The Peter Roth Internship Program?

The application process opens on October 26, 2023, and closes on January 16, 2024, at 12:00 pm ET. Join our mailing list for updates.

What documents will I need to submit for The Peter Roth Internship Program?

For a complete application, students will need to provide their:

• Resume and cover letter
• Answers to the 4 essay questions
• 2 letters of recommendation from either a professor, a school advisor, or a current/former supervisor who can speak about your education work or background, character or professional competence, and interest in the entertainment, media and television field (please provide contact information such as email address and phone number for references to be reached for follow-up)
• 1 writing sample for collegiate coursework (at most 4 pages) related to media and/or the media industry are encouraged, but not required
• Transcript (while an unofficial transcript is acceptable for the initial application process, all Finalists will be required to submit an official school transcript. Finalists only will be reimbursed if there is a cost from the school to obtain an official transcript).

What is the timeline for applying and interviewing for The Peter Roth Internship Program?

• The application process opens on October 26, 2023, and closes on January 16, 2024, at 12:00 pm ET.
• Semi-finalists will be notified on or before Feb 7, 2024.
• Semi-finalist interviews will be scheduled for mid-late February 2024.
• Finalists will be selected and internship offers will be made by the end of March/early April 2024.

Learn tips to get your application noticed!

You are invited to join our live Q&A sessions on Zoom covering frequently asked questions on these dates:

• Thu., November 2, 1:00 pm ET
• Thu., November 30, 3:00 pm ET
• Mon., December 11, 4:00 pm ET
• Wed., December 20, 2:00 pm ET

How will The Peter Roth Internship Program be impacted by COVID-19 social distancing/stay at home orders?

Unless determined otherwise by guidelines from the CDC and federal, state, and local authorities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this internship is in-person in New York. On June 4, 2024, all interns are required to be in-person in New York until July 11, 2024.

Will housing be provided?

Interns are responsible for their own housing as the Paley Center is unable to provide accommodations.