ABC News Rights & Clearances Intern, Summer 2026

About the Role & Program

ABC News is America’s No. 1 news source, providing straightforward, fact-driven journalism across broadcast, streaming, digital and audio. ABC’s award-winning programs include “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “Nightline,” “20/20,” “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” and “The View.” Platforms include 24/7 streaming channel ABC News Live featuring “Prime with Linsey Davis,” ABC News Studios, ABC News Digital, ABC Audio and NewsOne. Based in New York City, ABC News is comprised of three U.S. bureaus and eight international bureaus, with a presence in more than 20 countries around the world.

The approximate dates of this internship are May/June 2026 through August/September 2026. If selected for this role, you will report directly to the Senior Manager, Rights & Clearances.

What You Will Do

The Rights and Clearances Legal Intern will assist the department's team with a range of projects involving the licensing of third-party content for ABC News programming, as well as the distribution of ABC News material to partners and clients. The ideal candidate should possess a foundational knowledge of copyright and contract law, in addition to familiarity with the television and digital media industries.  This position requires a team player who will interact daily with the Rights & Clearance staff, the production staff, the legal department, editorial practices, ABC News Studios, the NewsOne affiliate service, the internet group and other departments.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct copyright research

• Coordinate with show producers to obtain information regarding show rights

• Assist with various administrative projects as assigned by department management

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated strong interest in entertainment law, the television industry, and negotiation theory or strategy; completion of relevant coursework is advantageous.

• Must be able to screen footage and provide administrative and research assistance for current news shows and new programming and distribution opportunities, and assistance with other assigned projects.

• Must have ability and willingness to work in fast-paced, 24/7 breaking news environment along with the ability to manage and prioritize workflow according to our programming needs.

• Works well under pressure and in a team-setting, including engaging with cross-functional partners.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.

• Proven experience working effectively within collaborative teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Exceptional attention to detail with a track record of successfully multitasking in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work experience in the entertainment industry or other creative industries.

Education  

• Junior or Senior year preferred

• Major or previous coursework with a business, entertainment, Television, Humanities, and Journalism.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements: 

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.

• Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program.

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Possess unrestricted work authorization

Additional Information

• Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship

• The approximate dates of this internship are May/June 2026 through August/September 2026

• Able to work Monday through Friday, 9am - 6pm PST

• Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program in the New York City

• Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work

The pay rate for this internship in New York is $22.50 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.