ABC

The ABC tends to focus on news which is of international interest or has a specific Australian angle, so when the news is quiet on this front the pace at the ABC may be less than hectic. You will have to pitch stories and work independently on research, but do not expect to climb straight to the top and receive instant by-lines and features released under your name (although it is possible that you may receive a researcher credit for Foreign Correspondent pieces). What you will gain is a realistic overview of the life of a foreign correspondent. To get the most out of the position you need to show initiative, ask to attend shootings and learn to deal with a minimal degree of guidance. English is spoken in the office but some Indonesian skills are required for setting up interviews.

Intern duties

• Tape logging
• Research contacts, reports and background information
• Going out for interviews (or pre-interviews for planned feature pieces)
• Involvement in the production of pieces for the Australian network
• Working on pieces for radio, television, and online mediums.

Location and getting there

The ABC office is in the Deutch Bank building that is centrally located adjacent to the Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle in Central Jakarta. There is a busway stop next door.

Specific Requirements

A laptop is essential. Sound recording equipment is provided.

Work hours

9-10am to 4-6pm. Start the day by reading the papers and major news sites.

Student stories

2008

The 2008 ACICIS Journalism Practicum Program brought Lisa Martin (photo) a touch closer to her foreign correspondent dream. After completing an advanced Indonesian course at Atma Jaya University, in Jakarta, she undertook a five week internship at ABC's Jakarta Bureau. Nine years of Indonesian studies at high school and university came in handy. She researched background and talent for a 14 minute ABC TV `Foreign Correspondent' story. She conducted interviews and translations for Jakarta correspondent Geoff Thompson and put together radio stories. See an article on Lisa in the Bendigo Advertiser.

Lisa is currently completing her final year of journalism at RMIT in Melbourne. As a result of the JPP program she now works as an assistant producer for ABC's Australian Network, which broadcasts news bulletins to the Asia Pacific region from its Melbourne studio. She hopes to return for future reporting assignments in Indonesia