ESPN Programming Intern, Bristol, Spring 2027

The Walt Disney Company; Bristol (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

ESPN internship opportunity within The Walt Disney Company in Bristol, CT. You will contribute to Programming and Acquisition initiatives across college and professional sports, supporting content scheduling across platforms.

The role involves planning and scheduling sporting events, ratings research for linear and digital networks, and developing presentations while interfacing with multiple ESPN departments on programming initiatives.

Qualifications

• Understanding ESPN products, platforms, and services.
• Knowledge of pro and college sports leagues.
• Experience in a professional business/office setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Detail-oriented self-starter with collaboration skills.
• Foundational experience in television programming or production.

Responsibilities

• Assist planning and scheduling for sporting events across college, professional, and digital media.
• Conduct ratings research and scheduling across linear TV and digital networks.
• Develop presentations and coordinate with ESPN departments on programming initiatives.

Skills

ESPN products & platforms

Sports knowledge

Professional experience

Strong communication

Detail oriented

TV programming experience

Education

Broadcast/Communication coursework

Senior year student

Job description

About the Role & Program

Working at ESPN means helping shape how sports fans experience the biggest moments in sports across every platform. From breaking news and live events to studio shows and original storytelling, ESPN reaches millions of fans each day through social media, television, streaming, and digital platforms.

The Programming department's mission is to create, acquire, and schedule premier content that engages fans and maximizes audiences across all platforms. We lead the development of sports strategies and manage key relationships with internal partners as well as league partners and organizers.

The approximate dates of this internship are January through May.

What You Will Do

We are looking for an intern who is excited to contribute to Programming and Acquisition initiatives across ESPN's professional and collegiate sports categories. As an intern, you'll work as part of the broader Programming Department, contributing to the content scheduling strategy for ESPN across platforms. Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with planning and scheduling for sporting events, in the three main areas of college sports, professional sports and digital media
• Conducting ratings research and scheduling across linear television and digital media networks
• Developing presentations and interface with various other ESPN departments regarding programming initiatives

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated understanding of ESPN's products, platforms, and services
• Solid sports knowledge across professional and collegiate leagues
• Proven experience working in a professional business or office setting
• Strong written and verbal communication with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively
• Detail‑oriented self‑starter with strong collaboration skills
• Foundational experience in television programming or production environments

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Awareness and appreciation of pop culture and emerging trends, including interest in new technologies
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively
• Foundational knowledge of contract administration processes
• Basic understanding of cross‑platform media including radio, online, print, and other format

Education

Senior year preferred

Major or previous coursework in Broadcast, Communication, Sports Media or related major preferred

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
• Able to provide own housing and transportation for the duration of the internship program in the Bristol, CT area
• Fully available from Monday through Friday, 40 hours each week

The pay rate for this role in Connecticut is $23 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.