GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WTAP

Gray Media, Inc.; Parkersburg (WV); On-site; USD 9,643 - 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Gray Media Training Program at WTAP invites college students to dive into the fast-paced world of local media. You will own real assignments as producers, MMJ, or sales executives, and contribute to digital content across social, streaming, and web stories.

The 10-week, 25-hour-per-week paid internship emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration with experienced pros, and a pathway to full-time opportunities within Gray Media’s 117-station network.

Qualifications

• Be currently enrolled in a college/university (preferred Junior/Senior).
• Strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• Earning a degree in Journalism/Communications, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Sports, News, or related fields, with a desire to get hands-on experience in the local media industry.

Responsibilities

• Handle real-world assignments in roles such as producer, MMJ, meteorologist, or media sales executive.
• Drive digital engagement across social media, streaming apps, and web stories.
• Collaborate with seasoned professionals to gain industry insights.
• Commit to 25 hours per week for 10 weeks to build a portfolio.
• Tell stories that matter to the community and support local businesses with media strategies.
• Position yourself for full-time opportunities within Gray Media’s network.

Skills

College student

Digital savvy

Strong work ethic

Communication skills

Reliability

Local community passion

Education

Journalism/Communications degree (in progress)

Job description

GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WTAP

Job Category: News

Requisition Number: GRAYM016410

• Posted: July 20, 2026
• Part-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

About WTAP

WTAP is THE main voice in the Mid-Ohio Valley. We may be among the smallest TV stations in America, but we are also one of the most dynamic. With state-of-the-art technology, a terrific on-air look, and a dynamic digital presence … you’ll be proud of the work you’ll do here. And you’ll grow quickly because there is so much opportunity! You’ll get to explore whatever you want to do in the communications field, whether it’s on-camera, behind-the-scenes, or in sales. The WTAP team is involved in the communities we cover. From covering high school sports to participating in local events, to helping small businesses grow and thrive through commercials and mobile products, WTAP does it all. And we do it all – together.

Internship Program

General Requirements: Are you tired of just watching from the sidelines? Ready to stop "shadowing" and start actually doing the work that reaches thousands of people every single day? We’re looking for the next generation of media powerhouses—producers, reporters, weather experts, and sales executives—who are hungry to dive head-first into the fast-paced world of local media. This isn't your typical "get the coffee" internship. The Gray Media Training Program is a high-octane, 10-week immersive experience where you don’t just learn the job—you own it. Whether you’re crafting the lead story for the evening news, tracking a cold front on our weather tech, or closing a digital ad deal, you’ll be a vital part of our award-winning team from day one. The Intern rate of pay can range from minimum wage in your state to $15 an hour.

What You’ll Do:

• Own the role: Step into the shoes of a producer, MMJ, meteorologist, or media sales executive and handle real-world assignments (yes, the kind that may go on air and online).
• Drive digital engagement: Create content that lives beyond the TV screen- think social media, streaming apps, and web stories—because we’re digital-first, always.
• Collaborate with pros: Work side-by-side with seasoned veterans who are the best in the business, gaining insights you won’t find in any textbook.
• Commit to the craft: Dedicate 25 hours per week for 10 weeks to mastering your specialty and building a professional-grade portfolio.
• Make an impact: Tell stories that matter to the community or help local businesses grow through innovative media strategies.
• Build your future: Position yourself at the front of the line for full-time career opportunities within Gray Media’s network of 117 stations.

What You Bring:

• Current enrollment: You’re a college student (Junior or Senior status preferred) chasing a degree in Journalism, Communications, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
• A "doer" mindset: You aren't afraid to get your hands dirty and take initiative; you’re here to work, not just watch.
• Digital savvy: You understand that media happens everywhere, from the big screen to the palm of someone’s hand.
• Strong work ethic: You bring urgency, organization, and a "can-do" attitude to every shift.
• Communication skills: You can tell a story, pitch an idea, or explain a forecast with clarity and confidence.
• Reliability: You’re ready to commit to the full 10-week program and the 25-hour weekly schedule.
• Passion for local: You care about the community and want to see how local media makes a real difference.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

• Real-world experience: You’ll graduate with more than just a line on your resume; you’ll have the experience of having done the job.
• Unprecedented access: With 117 stations across the U.S., you’re part of a massive, innovative network that’s leading the future of media.
• Career fast-track: We love hiring our own. This program is designed to be the ultimate audition for your first full-time role with Gray.
• Paid training: Earn while you learn—this is a paid internship.
• A culture of innovation: We’re evolving on purpose, and you’ll be right there on the front lines of that evolution.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in a college/university (preferred Junior/Senior).
• Strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• Earning a degree in Journalism/Communications, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Sports, News, or related fields, with a desire to get hands‑on experience in the local media industry.

Available Departments:

• Marketing
• Creative Services
• Sports
• Weather
• News Production
• News MMJ
• Engineering

WTAP-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with Gray’s employees' ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.