Jeff Travis

Broadcast News Student Interned with Glenn Beck and Mercury Radio Arts

“It almost gives me a sense of satisfaction to do my job well and to be complimented on it and that transfers over into my school work.”

Where did you do your internship?
I interned with a company called Mercury Radio Arts, which is a media based company founded and established by Glenn Beck himself.

For those who don’t know, who is Glenn Beck?
Glenn Beck has been working in radio his whole life. He worked his way up since he was 15 years old, and in the past few years, he has gotten into TV. He started with CNN three years ago, and was picked up by FOX this past January.

How did you hear about the internship?
Through a family friend who actually works for Glenn’s magazine, Fusion. I got in touch with her and asked if FOX News or Mercury Radio had an internship program, and with that, she got me in touch with the right people. I spent probably three months in contact with all of Glenn’s staff. In May, they called me and let me know that I got the internship.

What advice do you have for other students seeking internships?
The truth is, if you play off of the intimidation, it won’t work out for you. The only advice I have for them is to just be real, be professional, show that they’re confident around important people and they’ll pick-up on that.

How long was your internship?
All in all, it was a little more than two-and-a-half-month internship.

Was it a paid internship or a learning experience?
No, it was not paid. It was a learning experience, and I will be receiving college credits for it.

What did you gain from this internship?
Everything! I really lucked out as far as what I actually get to experience. In the morning, it’s all about Glenn’s radio show. He’s on AM radio from 9 to Noon. So most days, I sat in the booth with him and go over all the stories that he touches on. From there, he prepares for his live show on FOX News at 5pm every day, so I got to see the whole behind-the-scenes at FOX News.

How did the School of Journalism help prepare you for this internship?
So far, my favorite class that I’ve taken was with Jan Boyles. She really touched on the ethics of journalism and in my first three weeks there [at the internship] I saw first-hand how those ethics are followed.

What do you think you learned from your internship that you will apply to the SOJ?
My work ethic has drastically improved. It almost gives me a sense of satisfaction to do my job well and to be complimented on it and that transfers over into my school work.

Would you recommend an internship to other students?
I feel it is so crucial to get a taste of the real world. You know, I made cheese steaks and subs my whole life at a deli so obviously this is quite a change, and I just love it.