The Peter Roth Internship Program: Launching Future Television Leaders
The Peter Roth Internship Program offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for twenty talented undergraduate students to delve into the world of television. This selective, paid internship program provides practical experience and valuable understanding of the television and streaming industries. The program is named in honor of Peter Roth, a former president of both Warner Bros. Television Group and Fox Entertainment. This prestigious internship inspires 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.
A TV Aficionado’s Playground: The Paley Center for Media
Founded in 1975, the Paley Center is dedicated to preserving media history and exploring its influence on culture and society. Interns will work for the Paley Center, gaining hands-on experience and a valuable understanding of the television and streaming industries.
One intern described The Paley Center as "a TV aficionado’s playground," adding, "There wasn’t a day where I didn't feel excited to go to work, and I cannot thank the Paley family enough for welcoming us."
Amazing Access and Hands-On Experience
The Peter Roth Internship Program provides interns with amazing access and hands-on experience. Students will be provided practical experience and valuable understanding of the television and streaming industries. Interns will meet and interact with top TV executives, the most respected showrunners, renowned writers, talent, and others through guest lectures, red carpet events, and Q&A sessions, fostering the art and craft of storytelling. They will 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, along with site visits to networks, sets, and studios to provide a valuable understanding of the business side of television. Interns also get to tour studios such as the TODAY Show studio.
Diversity and Inclusion: A Core Value
Using the renowned Paley Archive and unmatched collection of television programming, the Paley Center offers a comprehensive and inclusive course for students to recognize the value of diversity both in front of and behind the camera. As an intern, you will better understand the importance of diverse voices and portrayals on television.
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One intern shared, “Being a South Asian immigrant, it’s difficult to find people on television who look like me and who share the same experiences as I do. With the help of this program and everything I have learned, I hope I can share my story with other young people from my background!”
The Ideal Candidate: Qualifications and Application
The Peter Roth Internship Program is available to underserved junior and senior-level undergraduate students who are interested in the entertainment, media, and television fields. Applicants must be undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a college degree program at an accredited college/university and who will be a junior or senior in the fall of 2025. To be considered for this internship, you should have a minimum GPA of 3.2, have exceptional leadership skills, and be vaccinated against Covid-19 with at least one booster shot. The selection is highly competitive and based on a combination of criteria including evidence of exemplary academic achievement and exceptional leadership skills. Additionally, you must submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, short essay question submissions, a transcript, and writing sample from coursework.
Want to know how to make your application stand out from the crowd? The program offered live Q&A sessions on Zoom covering frequently asked questions.
A Nurturing Community and Lifelong Friendships
Many interns emphasized the strong sense of community and the lasting friendships they formed during the program.
One intern stated, “The Peter Roth Internship gave me a nurturing community of passionate, inspiring, brilliant, and hilarious future television writers and trailblazers that I feel lucky enough to call lifelong friends." Another intern echoed this sentiment: "This internship has expanded my love of television, my ability to succeed in the industry, and it’s given me life-long friends. Each speaker, visit, and project made me more excited to arrive at the Paley Center every single day and to make the most of this spectacular opportunity. And yet even with all those amazing things, I consider the friendships I formed to be the greatest thing I have ever received from an internship or job in my life."
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Propelling Careers and Inspiring Dreams
The Peter Roth Internship Program has been instrumental in propelling the careers of its participants and inspiring them to pursue their dreams in the television industry.
One intern shared, “Being selected as a Peter Roth Intern propelled my career-especially the TV series pitch assignment, coaching sessions with Peter Roth, and the mentorship I received from the Paley Staff." Another intern added, “Through exciting studio visits and sessions with established changemakers in the television industry, I feel motivated and excited to be a part of the entertainment industry and am reminded of the importance and attainability of my dreams and aspirations as a Filipina-American storyteller."
Madison Yue, who is majoring in both sociology, in Arts & Sciences, and marketing, in Olin Business School, at Washington University in St. Louis, is among 20 Roth recipients for 2025.
A Lasting Legacy: The Alumni Community
After completing the program, students will join a thriving alumni community with ongoing engagement and support from the Paley Center as they navigate their careers. The Peter Roth Internship Program is named in honor of the legendary television executive and 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.
A Sacred Space for Growth
The Peter Roth Internship at the Paley Center for Media was more than an internship. It was a chance to hone my craft as an aspiring media and communications professional, learning from writers, directors, and executives across the mass media spectrum. My worldview and knowledge have expanded significantly, from pitching my own television series to witnessing Paley Center events live. Paley, thank you for giving me this sacred space to grow my confidence, my storytelling techniques, and pure passion as a writer.
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