Shock jock Howard Stern has taken on one of University of Maine's own this semester. Derek Francis, 27, a senior mass communication and theater major, is currently in New York City interning at "The Howard Stern Show."

With experience in professional news production for the WMEB morning show in the past and writing for The Maine Campus, Francis is no stranger to the creative process of production work in media. He also directed "Cloud 9," a Caryl Churchill play, at UMaine last spring.

A fan of "The Howard Stern" show since the 1990s, Francis earned an internship opportunity once before but could not afford housing and opted to try again in the future. Francis reapplied this spring and was one of 10 applicants chosen from a pool of more than 3,000.

Relocation has been difficult for Francis, whose fiancee remains at UMaine, but his experience has been rewarding thus far. On the first day, Francis attended a creative meeting and saw first-hand what it takes to produce a national radio broadcast. Shortly after joining the team, Francis was mentioned on air by Stern, who said that Francis was like the "Van Wilder" of interns due to his lengthy college career, referring to Ryan Reynolds' turn as a seventh-year college student in "National Lampoon's: Van Wilder."

Francis works in a newsroom, taking calls for "the laugh factor." Interns speak with callers and decide if what they have to say is interesting or pertinent to go on air. Francis has spoken with Howard Stern's father Ben Stern - a regular caller always ready to voice his political comments to his son on air. Interns are also expected to take notes during meetings, to work on setting up the show and to obtain worthy sound clips.

Francis appreciates the internship and the show for its honesty. "Everyone on the show is genuine and who they are on radio broadcasts," Francis said. Among the producers of the show he works with Benjy Bronk and Fred Norris, while Stern himself is rarely seen. Francis said when the interns were getting their pictures taken, Stern walked by and quipped, "Time for your mug shots, huh?"

Francis's internship runs through the second week of December, but he is cherishing every day. "Everyone works hard to stay relevant and come up with ideas. I didn't know so many people can work so hard while still having a good time," Francis said. Guests on the show during Francis' tenure have included Brooke Hogan, AC/DC, actor Jerry O'Connell and Dave Steward of the Eurythmics.

"The Howard Stern Show" internship program is great for people searching for experience in radio, according to Francis. He said Stern and his staff show the utmost personal care to the interns and production staff on the show and that the staff fosters learning and encourages participants to move forward with their goals in the business.

After his internship, Francis hopes to find work in production and public relations.

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