Max Baker, a rising senior studying journalism at the University of Missouri, has joined the staff of the News + Record as a summer intern.
During his 13-week internship, he’ll work remotely to help guide the newspaper’s social media content production and write and edit news and sports copy. He’ll also assist with a variety of other ongoing projects stemming from the News + Record’s involvement in two major programs: the UNC 2020-21 “Table Stakes” cohort and the U.S./Canada Facebook Accelerator program — both of which focus on audience engagement and revenue development.
The St. Louis native got his start in journalism on a sports-talk radio show at 550 KTRS as a 7th-grader. Since enrolling at Missouri, Baker joined the Columbia Missourian, one of the city newspapers. At the Missourian, Baker also served as one of the Missouri football beat writers, producing feature stories, game stories and briefs. He also covered Missouri wrestling and Columbia College athletics.
Following two semesters of reporting, he joined the outreach team where he helped with audience engagement and posting on social media platforms. He also worked as a copy editor this past semester.
Baker is the second intern from the University of Missouri to spend a summer at the News + Record; Caroline Watkins worked for the CN+R last summer and is now working as Audience Growth Producer at The State Newspaper in Columbia, S.C.
“We’re very excited to have Max as a part of our team,” said News + Record Publisher and Editor Bill Horner III. “His enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute have already made a difference in the first week he’s been here. He’ll be a tremendous asset for us this summer, just as Caroline was last year.”
Baker will primarily work with CN+R Web Editor and Reporter Hannah McClellan on digital projects and will join in weekly coaching sessions as a part of the prestigious Accelerator program.
“It didn’t take long looking at Max’s work and accomplishments to see what a talented and hardworking journalist he is,” McClellan said. “I know he will be a big part of the team-wide growth we’re working toward as a part of the Facebook Accelerator program and I’m really grateful to have him on board.”
Only 30 news organizations from across the U.S. and Canada were chosen to take part — from more than 300 applicants — for the intensive 12-week Facebook program.
“When my journalism professor emailed me about this opportunity, I probably applied within the hour because I saw how great of a fit it would be,” Baker said. “I’m not only looking forward to seeing what I can contribute from my experience in Missouri, but also learning from some very talented journalists.”
In his free time, Baker says he enjoys playing and watching sports and trying new restaurants with friends. He will graduate in May 2022 with a journalism degree with an emphasis in sports — print and digital news — at Mizzou, located in Columbia, Missouri.