GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM SUMMER/FALL '26 - WDBJ

NAB Leadership Foundation; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 7,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Real-world experience

Potential career opportunities

Job summary

NAB Leadership Foundation is seeking an enthusiastic media intern ready to dive into local media through a 10-week immersive experience. You'll work side by side with industry veterans, creating engaging content across platforms and shaping impactful stories.

This paid internship prioritizes hands-on experience and career development for current college students pursuing degrees in relevant fields. You'll gain invaluable skills while contributing meaningfully to your community.

Qualifications

• You’re a college student (Junior or Senior status preferred).
• You have a doer mindset and are eager to take initiative.
• You understand media dynamics across platforms.
• Commitment to a 10-week program with 25 hours per week.
• You care about your local community and its media.

Responsibilities

• Step into the roles of producer, meteorologist, or media sales executive.
• Create engaging digital content for various platforms.
• Collaborate with industry professionals on real-world assignments.
• Tell impactful stories that matter to local audiences.
• Build a professional-grade portfolio.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Reliability

Digital savvy

Education

Degree in Journalism, Communications, Sales, Marketing or related field

Job description

Job Summary

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 113 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.

Potential Departments

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

Qualified Requirements

• Be currently enrolled in a college/university (preferred Junior/Senior).
• Strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• College students, seniors preferred, 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.

Compensation

The intern rate of pay can range from minimum wage in your state to $15 an hour.

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 the ability of Gray's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.