Media Relations Intern

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

Cato's Media Relations and Communications team manages the institute's media presence — connecting journalists and producers with Cato scholars, responding to inbound press inquiries, and seeking opportunities to feature Cato research and commentary in the news cycle. 

The work is fast-paced and news-focused. Interns engage in daily team activities and take on actual responsibilities from the beginning, including media monitoring, pitch drafting, and briefing preparation. This role is ideal for candidates interested in communications, public relations, or journalism.

Responsibilities

• Attend daily media department meetings and help plan with the team around news cycle opportunities.
• Track news and policy updates to find timely angles for Cato scholars to comment on and highlight relevant stories for the team.
• Create daily summaries of Cato scholar citations and media appearances across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Draft and refine press pitches and releases for scholar placements, tailored to specific reporters, outlets, and news angles.
• Handle incoming media requests, direct inquiries to the appropriate scholars, and coordinate logistics for interviews and appearances.
• Manage media contact lists and outlet tracking, and support overall communications operations as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in media, public relations, journalism, or strategic communications as a career goal; prior experience through coursework, a campus publication, communications internship, or press-related role.
• Strong writing for press pitches, releases, and briefings — clear, concise, and tailored to a journalist audience; familiarity with AP style.
• Sound news judgment and media monitoring skills; ability to identify timely angles and evaluate what is and isn't newsworthy.
• Strong attention to detail and diligent fact-checking under tight deadlines.
• Professional, clear communication and discretion when interacting with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated alignment with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in written output and consistent follow-through in a fast-moving environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with media monitoring tools or press database platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, or similar.
• Previous experience in a communications office, newsroom, or press-related environment.
• Familiarity with Cato's recent publications and scholar roster; applicants are encouraged to review Cato’s latest work before applying.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.