GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WBKO

Gray Media is a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets. Serving 117 full-power television markets, Gray Media reaches approximately 37% of U.S. television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first- or second-highest-rated station. Gray Media also owns the largest Telemundo Affiliate group (46 markets) and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency. Additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

WBKO, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is an award-winning journalism hub serving south-central Kentucky between Louisville and Nashville. As the dominant local news and entertainment source in the region, WBKO operates ABC, FOX, Telemundo, and CW affiliates. Bowling Green is Kentucky’s third-largest and fastest-growing city, known for the Corvette, the Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball team, an active arts scene, and numerous caves and hiking trails.

About the role

The Gray Media Training Program is a 10-week immersive experience designed for aspiring media professionals ready to take on real responsibilities. This is not a traditional internship—you’ll work as a vital part of WBKO’s award-winning team from day one, handling assignments that may go on air or online. The program is ideal for those eager to step into roles such as producer, MMJ, meteorologist, or media sales executive while driving digital engagement across social media, streaming, and web platforms.

Responsibilities

• Own the role: Step into the shoes of a producer, MMJ, meteorologist, or media sales executive and handle real-world assignments that may go on air or online.
• Drive digital engagement: Create content for social media, streaming apps, and web stories as part of a digital-first approach.
• Collaborate with pros: Work alongside seasoned professionals to gain hands-on experience and insights.
• Commit to the craft: Dedicate 25 hours per week for 10 weeks to master your specialty and build 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 for full-time career opportunities within Gray Media’s network of 117 stations.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in a college or university (Junior or Senior status preferred).
• Pursuing a degree in Journalism, Communications, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
• A "doer" mindset: Willingness to take initiative and get hands-on experience.
• Digital savvy: Understanding of media across platforms, from TV to mobile.
• Strong work ethic: Urgency, organization, and a "can-do" attitude.
• Excellent communication skills: Ability to tell stories, pitch ideas, or explain concepts clearly.
• Reliability: Commitment to the full 10-week program and 25-hour weekly schedule.
• Passion for local media and community impact.

Benefits

• Real-world experience: Graduate with tangible experience and a professional portfolio.
• Unprecedented access: Join a network of 113 stations leading the future of media.
• Career fast-track: The program serves as an audition for full-time roles within Gray Media.
• Paid training: Earn while you learn, with pay ranging from your state’s minimum wage to $15.00/hour.
• A culture of innovation: Work on the front lines of media evolution.

Pay

The intern rate of pay ranges from your state’s minimum wage to $15.00 per hour.

Schedule

This is a 10-week program requiring a commitment of 25 hours per week.

Potential departments for internships include News/MMJ, News Production, Advertising/PR, Weather, Engineering, Creative Services, Marketing, and Sales.