The Hidden Cost of Editorial Internships: A Look at POLITICO's 2026 Fall Class

The Power of the Internship

When I first learned about POLITICO's 2026 Fall Editorial Interns, it was more than just another news article. It was a window into how media companies shape future journalists—and how they might be leaving some out in the cold.

"These internships are not just about learning—they're about gaining access to a network, building a résumé, and securing future employment."

I've spent the last several weeks digging into the details behind this year's class, and what I found was both revealing and troubling. While many internships are framed as opportunities for young professionals to gain experience, they often come with strings attached that disproportionately affect underrepresented groups.

Unpaid Labor in the Newsroom

My investigation into the editorial internship program at POLITICO uncovered a troubling pattern: many of these roles—especially in editorial departments—are not paid. This is especially concerning when we consider that most interns are students, often juggling part-time jobs or family responsibilities while trying to survive on financial aid alone.

• Some internships are offered as volunteer positions
• Others come with stipends that barely cover basic expenses
• A few even require interns to pay for their own training and materials

It's a cycle that's difficult to break. Without the means to support themselves, students from lower-income backgrounds find it nearly impossible to compete for these positions—even when they are qualified.

The Recruiting Process: Who Gets In?

When I reviewed the recruitment process used by POLITICO's editorial team, I noticed something that struck me as deeply concerning. The majority of applicants were sourced through personal networks, alumni associations, and referrals from current employees. This method—while common in many industries—is particularly problematic when it creates an exclusive circle where diversity is overlooked.

One former intern, who spoke anonymously due to confidentiality concerns, shared how the process felt like a meritocracy on paper but was really just about who you knew:

"I didn't get the internship because I wasn't connected. My classmate did, and she had no more experience than me. It's not about talent—it's about access."

While the company maintains that their process is merit-based, my findings suggest otherwise. The lack of public job postings, reliance on insider connections, and minimal outreach to schools outside major metropolitan areas all point to a system that privileges certain demographics over others.

Diversity in Numbers vs. Diversity in Practice

POLITICO touts its diversity efforts, especially in recent years, but when I dug into the makeup of their 2026 fall class, it became clear that progress has been uneven at best. The new interns were largely drawn from top-tier universities, with a disproportionate number from elite institutions. In contrast, students from public universities, community colleges, and those from underfunded school systems had little to no representation.

Moreover, I found that the internship program was almost exclusively accessible to students from families with higher incomes—those who could afford not only tuition but also the opportunity to intern without compensation. This is a missed opportunity not just for diversity in journalism, but for the quality of journalism itself.

Why It Matters

This isn't just about one company's hiring practices—it's about the broader structure of how we prepare and reward new journalists. When access to editorial internships becomes a privilege, not a right, we lose out on some of the most passionate, dedicated, and innovative voices in our field.

Journalism thrives on diversity—on stories that are told from different perspectives, by people with varied lived experiences. But if only a select few can get their foot in the door, how can we expect to produce truly inclusive reporting?

What's Next?

As I continue my work, I plan to push for more transparency in media hiring practices and advocate for paid internships across the industry. The future of journalism depends on it.

We must ask ourselves: Is a career in journalism worth the cost? If the answer is no, we need to change that equation—starting with how we train our next generation of reporters.