GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WECT

About Gray Media:

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first- and/or second-highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 such markets measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group, with 46 markets, and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies and the most advanced digital products and services. Our 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.

About WECT:

WECT has informed and entertained viewers in southeastern North Carolina for 72 years. We're in the rapidly growing Wilmington market, serving New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, Pender, and Bladen Counties that make up the beautiful coastal Cape Fear Region. WECT is the dominant broadcast station in the market with the most accessible local news on-air, online, mobile, and streaming platforms.

The Training Program:     

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. The intern rate of pay can range from your state's minimum wage to $15.00/hr.               

General Responsibilities:

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 117 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

The intern rate of pay can range from your state's minimum wage to $15.00/hr.   

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

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

• News/MMJ

• News Production

• Weather

We look forward to hearing from you!

The intern rate of pay can range from your state's minimum wage to $15.00/hr.

▪️ Interested in the program?  Go to   https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings , type  "Intern WECT"   (in the search bar)

WECT-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

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