New Haven Register establishes paid internship in memory of Ann DeMatteo

The New Haven Register is establishing an annual paid internship dedicated to the memory of longtime reporter and editor Ann DeMatteo, who died Sunday after a battle with cancer.

Ann DeMatteo

For years, DeMatteo led the newspaper’s internship program, so honoring her in this way seemed like the natural thing for New Haven Register Managing Editor Mark Brackenbury.

“This feels like such a fitting way to honor Ann’s memory.  She mentored dozens upon dozens of aspiring journalists and young reporters through the years.  Few things seemed to make her happier, and in her own unassuming way, she was great at it,” Brackenbury said. “When interns started at the Register, I knew I could send them Ann’s way and she would handle the rest.  By the end of that first day, they would have accompanied her on rounds and have three or four story assignments for the week.  And Ann would work with them every step of the way on those stories, right down to the editing process while still filing a few stories of her own. Ann always made sure new staffers felt welcome, and she shared with them her voluminous Rolodex of phone numbers  – most of which she threw out off the top of her head.  The best place to be as a young reporter in the Register newsroom was at the desk next to Ann.”

DeMatteo managed the internship program without funding. Students participated for college credit and experience only. The position created in her memory will include a salary for the intern chosen over the course of their time in the program.

The first Ann DeMatteo intern at the New Haven Register will be named for the upcoming fall semester. Students who are interested in applying can contact Brackenbury at mbrackenbury@nhregister.com.