GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM SPRING '27 - WPTA

Gray Media; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Paid training

Job summary

Gray Media’s WPTA-TV in Indiana offers a high‑octane 10‑week internship program for aspiring producers, MMJ, meteorologists, and sales executives. You’ll work on real assignments that may air and online, gaining hands‑on experience in a digital‑first environment.

Current college student (Junior/Senior) pursuing Journalism, Communications, Sales, Marketing, or related fields is preferred. Expect a paid internship and a commitment of 25 hours per week to build a compelling portfolio and open doors

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a college/university pursuing a relevant degree.
• Junior or Senior status preferred.
• Desire hands-on experience in local media.

Responsibilities

• Own the role as producer, MMJ, meteorologist, or media sales executive and complete real‑world assignments.
• Drive digital engagement across social media, streaming apps, and web stories.
• Collaborate with seasoned professionals who are the best in the business.
• Dedicate 25 hours per week for 10 weeks to building a professional‑grade portfolio.
• Position yourself for full‑time career opportunities within Gray Media’s network.

Skills

Doer mindset

Digital savvy

Strong work ethic

Communication skills

Reliability

Education

Junior/Senior college student

Degree in Journalism/Communications/Sales/Marketing or related

Enrollment in a university

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 offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with 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 WPTA:

WPTA TV is northeast Indiana’s most honored broadcaster. Our commitment to quality television has been recognized with multiple National Edward R. Murrow Awards, regional Emmy Awards, and the highest honors from the Indiana Broadcasters Association. Our team produces 41 hours of news each week across our ABC and NBC channels and is committed to local, in-depth special programming that airs in addition to traditional newscasts. WPTA is part of Gray Media, a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations across the United States.

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.

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

Interested Departments:

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

We look forward to hearing from you!

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

Interested in the program? Go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, type "Intern WPTA" (in search bar)

WPTA‑TV/Gray Media is a drug‑free company

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 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.