GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WVLT

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 U.S. television households, with 80 markets featuring the top-rated station and 100 markets ranking first or second in average all-day ratings. Gray also owns the largest Telemundo Affiliate group (46 markets), Gray Digital Media (a full-service digital agency), video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WVLT

WVLT, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, produces 58 hours of local news per week on its CBS and CW stations. Knoxville, the 60th largest television market in the country, offers a blend of urban amenities and small-town charm, with a walkable downtown, diverse culture, and proximity to the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee River. The city is home to the University of Tennessee’s flagship campus and a robust employment sector.

About the Role

The Gray Media Training Program is a 10-week immersive experience designed for aspiring media professionals. Unlike traditional internships, this program offers hands-on, real-world assignments where participants take ownership of tasks in news, production, digital media, weather, or sales. You’ll work alongside industry veterans, create content for broadcast and digital platforms, and build a professional portfolio—all while earning a pay rate ranging from your state’s minimum wage to $15.00/hr.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations in news, production, or digital departments.
• Create engaging content for broadcast, social media, and digital platforms.
• Research and fact-check information for accuracy across all platforms.
• Learn multi-platform workflows, from concept to broadcast, streaming, and social channels.
• Assist with field assignments, including live shoots and remote broadcasts.
• Collaborate in team meetings, contributing fresh ideas for storytelling and audience engagement.
• Step into roles such as producer, MMJ, meteorologist, or media sales executive, handling real-world assignments that may go on air or online.
• Drive digital engagement by creating content for social media, streaming apps, and web stories.
• Commit to 25 hours per week for 10 weeks to master your specialty and build a professional-grade portfolio.
• Tell stories that matter to the community or help local businesses grow through innovative media strategies.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in a college or university (Junior or Senior status preferred).
• Pursuing a degree in Journalism, Communications, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, News, Sports, or a related field.
• A proactive, "doer" mindset with a willingness to take initiative.
• Digital savvy and understanding of multi-platform media (TV, social, streaming, etc.).
• Strong work ethic, organization, and a "can-do" attitude.
• Excellent communication skills for storytelling, pitching ideas, or explaining concepts.
• Reliability and commitment to the full 10-week program and 25-hour weekly schedule.
• Passion for local media and community impact.

Departments with Potential Openings

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

Benefits

• Real-world experience with tangible outcomes for your resume and portfolio.
• Unprecedented access to a network of 113 stations across the U.S.
• Career fast-track: priority consideration for full-time roles within Gray Media.
• Paid training with a pay rate ranging from your state’s minimum wage to $15.00/hr.
• Exposure to a culture of innovation at the forefront of media evolution.

Pay

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

Schedule

25 hours per week for 10 weeks.