USU Agricultural Communications Student Interns at Utah Public Radio

Addison Stoddard thrives on connection and curiosity—traits that have shaped both her academic path and career aspirations. A double major in agricultural communications and journalism, she’s set to graduate this spring with plans to stay in Utah and pursue a future in radio reporting or TV/radio production. Her time as an intern at Utah Public Radio (UPR) has fueled a growing passion for the radio industry and all it has to offer.

“I love getting to know people, and I think it is important to try a lot of stuff out,” Stoddard said.

As part of the UPR news team, she primarily focuses on agricultural topics, but topics frequently branch into broader outdoor and environment stories. Her responsibilities include maintaining the station’s website, writing radio scripts based on interviews with various sources, and producing one story per week.

Stoddard was introduced to this opportunity during a tour of UPR with one of her journalism classes. “I’m just really grateful that Brian Champagne took us to get a tour of UPR. Journalism professors are very good at making students aware of positions that are available.”

UPR is a statewide organization covering topics across Utah. However, Stoddard and her team prioritize finding stories close to Cache Valley, allowing her to meet with people in person. “It’s so much fun,” she said. “I enjoy talking with people and learning about things that I wouldn’t have learned about otherwise.”

Stoddard works closely with Utah State University Extension, frequently speaking with specialists and agents throughout Utah. She is involved in producing a recurring segment called USU Extension Education Highlights, where she interviews individuals involved in Extension work and shares their insights on air.

“Talking to people and getting to meet with them and learn about things that they’re passionate about and that they’re good at is so cool for me. Their passion ignites passion in me to share the topic with other people,” Stoddard said.

Working at UPR has expanded Stoddard’s skill set. Observing producers and hosts has taught her about the inner workings of a radio studio. “I have learned a lot from people about how they’re able to tell a story with only words,” Stoddard said.

Although video and audio production share similarities, Stoddard enjoys the challenge of storytelling through words alone. “Video, I wouldn’t say it is easy, but you have a picture and you are showing and telling, whereas in radio you have to show and tell with your words, and I think that is really fun.”

“I am so grateful that places like UPR provide internship opportunities, and they are so willing to work with students. I feel really lucky to work with the people there,” Stoddard said. “I knew that I was interested in either TV or radio, and I was planning to go the TV route. Radio wasn’t really the plan, but now it’s more of the plan than TV.”

Listen to stories Stoddard has produced during her internship on UPR's website.