GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WLBT
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. The portfolio includes 117 full-power television markets reaching approximately 37% of US television households, with 80 markets featuring the top-rated station and 100 markets with the first- or second-highest-rated station. Gray also owns the largest Telemundo Affiliate group (46 markets), Gray Digital Media, video production companies (Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, PowerNation Studios), and studio production facilities (Assembly Atlanta, Third Rail Studios).
About WLBT
WLBT is Mississippi's flagship station and the dominant #1 local TV and digital media outlet in Central Mississippi. As an NBC affiliate, WLBT produces award-winning local news coverage and serves the state capital, Jackson—Mississippi's largest TV market. The area offers rich cultural attractions, including museums, universities, and the prestigious University of Mississippi Medical Center. Jackson boasts great weather, extensive outdoor trails, and proximity to Gulf Coast beaches, New Orleans, Memphis, Birmingham, Nashville, Dallas, and Atlanta. Sports fans enjoy access to the Mississippi Braves (AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves), the PGA's Sanderson Farms Championship, SWAC schools (Jackson State and Alcorn State), and SEC schools (Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama, LSU) within a three-hour drive. NBA, NFL, and NHL teams in New Orleans and Memphis are also easily accessible.
About the Role
The Gray Media Training Program is a 10-week immersive internship at WLBT in Jackson, MS, designed for students eager to gain hands-on experience in local journalism and media. Interns will work directly in news production, digital content creation, weather, sales, or other departments, contributing to real-world projects that reach thousands of viewers daily. This is not a passive "shadowing" opportunity—interns will take ownership of assignments, collaborate with industry professionals, and build a professional portfolio.
Responsibilities
- Step into the role of a producer, MMJ, meteorologist, or media sales executive, handling real-world assignments that may go on air or online.
- Create digital-first content for social media, streaming platforms, and web stories.
- Collaborate with experienced professionals to gain practical insights and mentorship.
- Commit to 25 hours per week for 10 weeks to master your specialty and develop a professional-grade portfolio.
- Tell impactful community stories or help local businesses grow through innovative media strategies.
- 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, Business, Advertising/PR, Entertainment & Media Studies, or a related field.
- A proactive, "doer" mindset with a willingness to take initiative and tackle hands-on work.
- Digital savvy and understanding of multi-platform media (TV, social, streaming, web).
- Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and a "can-do" attitude.
- Excellent communication skills for storytelling, pitching ideas, or explaining concepts clearly.
- Reliability and commitment to the full 10-week program and 25-hour weekly schedule.
- Passion for local media and community impact.
Benefits
- Real-world experience with tangible outcomes for your resume and portfolio.
- Access to Gray Media’s network of 113 stations across the U.S.
- Fast-track career opportunities—Gray Media prioritizes hiring program alumni for full-time roles.
- Paid internship with rates ranging from your state's minimum wage to $15.00/hour.
- Exposure to a culture of innovation at the forefront of media evolution.
Departments with Potential Openings
- News/MMJ
- News Production
- Advertising/PR
- Weather
- Engineering
- Creative Services
- Marketing
- Sales