GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL/WINTER '26 - WNEM

Gray Media; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Job summary

Gray Media's Training Program is a 10-week immersive internship where you’ll take on real assignments, from crafting lead stories to closing digital ad deals, earning pay ranging from minimum wage to $15 per hour.

You’ll work 25 hours per week, gain hands-on experience across News, Sports, Weather, Engineering, Sales and Creative Services, and position yourself for future 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, News, Sports, or related fields, with a desire to get hands-on experience in the local media industry

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Student

Digital savvy

Strong work ethic

Communication skills

Reliability

Education

Journalism/Communications

Job description

About Gray Media

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first- and/or second-highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 such markets measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group, with 46 markets, and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies and the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WNEM

At WNEM, it is our job and inherent desire to be the best local television station in the Mid- Michigan market and the #1 digital platform across the state, region, and the country. We are committed to the highest standards of excellence in our local news, entertainment, information, and public service programming. We have the top-rated news station plus broadcast website. We are a Midsize market with opportunity to grow. We are a self-starting team driven for success with unique selling opportunities for a creative seller. Essential to that effort is a foundation of honesty and integrity — qualities which help us earn and build trust with our viewers, co-workers, and business partners.

The Training Program

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 your state's minimum wage to $15.00/hr.

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 113 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, News, Sports, or related fields, with a desire to get hands‑on experience in the local media industry

Ready to stop practicing and start performing? Let’s build the future of media together.

Open Departments

• News
• Sports
• Weather
• Engineering
• Sales
• Creative Services

We look forward to hearing from you!

Additional Info

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.