📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sports Writer Intern, KSL.com (Part-Time, Hybrid)
🔹 Company: Deseret Digital Media
🔹 Location: SLC Triad Center, Salt Lake City, UT
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time, Intern
🔹 Category: Journalism, Sports
🔹 Date Posted: July 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Writing daily Utah sports stories, projects, and features for KSL.com
- Learning the workflow of publishing to KSL.com, which averages 2.5 million news page views a day
- Attending sporting events in the Wasatch Front
- Working as part of a positive, hard-working team
ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed for students seeking practical experience in sports journalism and aims to provide a well-rounded introduction to the field.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Pitch and write daily Utah sports stories, projects, and features
✅ Learn the workflow of publishing to KSL.com
✅ Attend sporting events in the Wasatch Front
✅ Maintain the brand standards of KSL.com and Deseret Digital Media
✅ Find and write feature stories that highlight the best and brightest people and sporting events in Utah
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed are typical for an entry-level sports journalism intern and may evolve based on the intern's performance and the team's needs.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Must have completed news writing or reporting classes
Experience: Previous sports writing or reporting experience is preferred but not required
Required Skills:
- Passion for sports
- Competitive drive to be first in the market and to seek out accurate, confirmed information quickly
- Ability to write stories quickly and accurately on a variety of sports topics
- Knowledge of local sports public figures and events
- Strong communication skills
- Working knowledge of AP style
- Interviewing skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with content management systems (CMS)
- Familiarity with SEO best practices
- Multimedia storytelling skills (e.g., photography, videography, podcasting)
ASSUMPTION: While the required skills are essential for this role, the preferred skills would be beneficial but not critical for a successful internship.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $12 - $15 per hour (Based on industry standards for part-time internships in sports journalism)
Benefits:
- Paid internship
- Potential school credit
- Mentorship from experienced journalists
- Published portfolio pieces
Working Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate class schedules and sporting events
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for part-time internships in sports journalism. The actual salary may vary based on the intern's performance and the company's discretion.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Technology, Information, and Internet
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 2009
Company Description:
- Home to the highly addictive KSL.com
- Connecting communities and building trust through digital assets
- Offers a variety of career opportunities with competitive benefits
Company Specialties:
- Digital media
- Journalism
- Sports reporting
Company Website: deseretdigital.com
ASSUMPTION: Deseret Digital Media is a growing company focused on connecting communities through digital media, with a strong emphasis on journalism and sports reporting.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry Level (Intern)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Sports Editor at KSL.com
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site and remote work)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for full-time employment after the internship
- Opportunities to work on various projects and features
- Mentorship and skill development from experienced journalists
ASSUMPTION: This internship provides a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience in sports journalism and grow both personally and professionally.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space
Office Location(s): SLC Triad Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Geographic Context:
- Salt Lake City has a vibrant sports scene with numerous professional and collegiate teams
- The Wasatch Front region offers a variety of sporting events and attractions
- The office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, with easy access to public transportation
Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling to accommodate class schedules and sporting events
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the Sports Editor
- Background check (if offered the position)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing samples and quality
- Sports knowledge and passion
- Communication skills and team fit
- Availability and commitment
Application Tips:
- Submit published sports writing samples (not class papers)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Demonstrate your passion for sports and commitment to the role in your cover letter
- Prepare questions about the role, the team, and the company to ask during the interview
ATS Keywords: Sports Writing, News Reporting, AP Style, Interviewing, Communication, Attention to Detail, Story Pitching, Feature Writing, Local Sports Knowledge, Self-Starter, Competitive Drive
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess the candidate's writing skills, sports knowledge, and commitment to the role. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong passion for sports and a willingness to learn and grow.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management System (CMS) - KSL.com uses a proprietary CMS
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the company's CMS and Microsoft Office Suite is beneficial but not required. The company may provide training on their CMS and other relevant tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Connecting communities
- Building trust
- Working hard and playing hard
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Committed to maintaining high-quality standards
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you passionate about sports and committed to maintaining high-quality standards?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are passionate about sports, committed to maintaining high-quality standards, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment are likely to be a good fit for this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing the demands of the internship with class schedules and other commitments
- Adapting to the fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Meeting the high-quality standards set by the company
- Dealing with the pressure of breaking news and tight deadlines
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common for entry-level sports journalism interns and can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other sports journalism internships but offers the opportunity to work with a highly trafficked digital platform (KSL.com)
- Unlike some other internships, this role focuses primarily on sports reporting and does not require extensive multimedia skills
- This internship provides a well-rounded introduction to sports journalism and offers opportunities for growth and development
ASSUMPTION: This internship is competitive and offers a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience in sports journalism.
📝 Sample Projects
- Writing daily sports stories and features for KSL.com
- Covering local sporting events and press conferences
- Assisting with the production of multimedia content (e.g., videos, podcasts)
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to the intern may vary based on the team's needs and the intern's skills and interests.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most important qualities you're looking for in an intern for this role?
- How does this internship fit into the company's long-term goals for its sports coverage?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development during this internship?
- How does the team support and mentor interns?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the sports journalism industry today, and how does this internship address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and commitment to the company's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences
- Prepare published sports writing samples (not class papers) to submit with your application
- Prepare questions about the role, the team, and the company to ask during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
