GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM SPRING '26 - WIFR

Gray Media Training Program Spring '26 - WIFR

Gray Media, or Gray, is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 77 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second-highest-rated television station, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 45 markets totaling nearly 1.5 million Hispanic TV Households. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's 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.

WIFR is owned by Gray Television, Inc. and is a CBS affiliate. We are located in beautiful Northern Illinois with Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee in our backyard. The Rockford market is an excellent choice for individuals interested in gaining broadcasting experience as well as those looking to make this area their home. Rockford – Small Town Charm with Big City Convenience!

The Training Program

General Responsibilities:

• 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.

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

If you are interested in interning in these areas, the station may have openings in these departments for you:

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

Ready to stop practicing and start performing? Let's build the future of media together

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

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

Qualifications

Education

Required High School or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.