GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM SPRING '27 - WBKO

Gray Media; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Drug-free workplace

EEO employer

Job summary

WBKO-TV/Gray Media offers a paid internship program in Bowling Green, KY, designed to launch careers in journalism, production, weather, and media sales. The 10-week, 25-hours-per-week apprenticeship provides hands-on assignments that may air or appear online, with mentorship from experienced professionals.

You’ll gain real-world experience, collaborate with top pros, and build a professional portfolio while exploring potential full-time opportunities within Gray Media’s vast network.

Qualifications

• Be currently enrolled in a college/university (preferred: Junior/Senior).
• Strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• Earning a degree in Journalism/Communications, News and Broadcasting/Digital field, 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.
• Drive digital engagement: Create content that lives beyond the TV screen; think social media, streaming apps, and web stories.
• 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

College student (Junior/Senior)

Strong work ethic

Digital media interest

Education

Journalism/Communications/News & Broadcasting degree

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 about 37% of U.S. 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 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 that offers 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 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 about 37% of U.S. 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 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 that offers 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 WBKO

WBKO is home to award-winning journalism in the heart of south-central Kentucky between Louisville and Nashville. WBKO is the dominant source for local news and entertainment in the Bowling Green area and operates the ABC, FOX, Telemundo, Heroes & Icons, and CW affiliates. We are proud to serve our community and nurture our employees to grow professionally in an encouraging environment. Bowling Green is the third largest and fastest-growing city in Kentucky and is “geared for fun” as the home of the Corvette, the Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball team, an active arts scene, countless caves, and hiking trails ready to be explored!

The Training Program

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.

General Responsibilities

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, News and Broadcasting/Digital field, with a desire to get hands‑on experience in the local media industry

If you are interested in interning in these areas, the station may have openings in these departments for you:

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

The intern rate of pay can range from your state's minimum wage to $15.00 an hour.

WBKO-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 in every location in which 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 the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.