Media and Communications Fellowship Program
Introduction
The Media & Communications Fellowship Program for the City of Pinole offers students and aspiring media professionals a hands-on opportunity to develop their skills while serving the local community. This program provides practical on-the-job experience in various aspects of media production, public engagement, and digital communications through Pinole Community TV and various other City communication channels.
This program is designed for individuals interested in journalism, video production, digital marketing, and community outreach, allowing participants to work directly with City staff, local organizations, and community members. Interns will contribute to the City’s efforts in keeping residents informed, promoting civic engagement, and enhancing community access to local government and public affairs content.
Background
Pinole Community TV is the City of Pinole’s Public, Educational, and Government Access (PEG) Station. It plays a vital role in providing public access to city meetings, educational programming, and community events. With the growing importance of digital media in civic communication, the City launched this fellowship program to foster media literacy, storytelling, and technological skills among emerging professionals.
Interns in this program will have the opportunity to develop content for broadcast, social media, websites, and community events, ensuring that Pinole residents stay informed and engaged. By offering specialized training across various media disciplines—including video production, journalism, marketing, and graphic design—the program helps build a pipeline of skilled communicators dedicated to serving their community.
This internship not only provides valuable professional development but also strengthens the city’s connection with its residents by amplifying local voices and sharing important information through diverse media platforms.
Areas of Focus
Video Production
Interns will gain hands-on experience in video production, including filming, editing, and post-production for city events, public meetings, and community programs. They will learn camera operation, lighting, sound design, and video editing software to create engaging content for the PEG station and digital platforms.
Journalism and Storytelling
Interns will develop journalistic skills by researching, writing, and reporting on community news, local government initiatives, and human-interest stories. They will learn to craft compelling narratives for press releases, newsletters, and digital content while adhering to journalistic ethics and standards.
Social Media
Interns will manage and create content for the city’s social media platforms, focusing on community engagement and outreach. They will develop campaigns, analyze metrics, and implement strategies to increase public awareness of city programs, events, and initiatives.
Community Outreach
Interns will work on initiatives to strengthen the city’s relationship with residents, businesses, and organizations. They will assist with event planning, public engagement activities, and developing materials that promote civic participation and community involvement.
Graphic Design
Interns will design promotional materials, branding assets, and visual content for city programs, events, and public information campaigns. They will use industry-standard design software to create eye-catching graphics for social media, print publications, and digital displays.
Web Design
Interns will assist in maintaining and enhancing the city’s website, ensuring accessibility, usability, and up-to-date content. They will work on layout design, user experience improvements, and content management to enhance public access to city resources and services.
Community Media Operations
Interns will support the operations of the city’s PEG station, including scheduling programming, managing broadcast content, and assisting with live productions. They will learn the technical aspects of community media, including video encoding, streaming, and distribution.
Public Access
Interns will help facilitate community-driven content by working with local residents, nonprofits, and organizations to produce programming for the PEG station. They will assist with training, equipment management, and content submission processes to encourage public participation in media creation.
Marketing
Interns will develop marketing campaigns to promote city programs, events, and initiatives. They will work on brand messaging, advertising strategies, and digital marketing efforts to enhance public awareness and engagement.
Grant Writing
Interns will learn the fundamentals of researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding for media, communications, and community projects. They will assist in identifying grant opportunities, drafting applications, and compiling necessary documentation for funding requests.
Application Process
The Media and Fellowship Program is open to students or those who have recently graduated and are looking to gain experience working in the communications field. We recruit new Fellows typically during the start of the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Interested parties can visit our Careers page to see if the application is open.
