GRAY MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM FALL '26 - WTAP

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 of such markets that were 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 with 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 WTAP:

WTAP is THE main voice in the Mid-Ohio Valley. We may be among the smallest TV stations in America, but we are also one of the most dynamic. With state-of-the-art technology, a terrific on-air look, and a dynamic digital presence … you’ll be proud of the work you’ll do here. And you’ll grow quickly because there is so much opportunity! You’ll get to explore whatever you want to do in the communications field, whether it’s on-camera, behind-the-scenes, or in sales. The WTAP team is involved in the communities we cover. From covering high school sports to participating in local events, to helping small businesses grow and thrive through commercials and mobile products, WTAP does it all. And we do it all – together.

The Mid-Ohio Valley includes the communities of Parkersburg, WV and Marietta, OH and the 50-mile area surrounding them. It’s the kind of place where you can walk down the street and say “hi” to people, and they’ll say “hi” right back at you! It’s the kind of place where local news-people become like family to the viewers and online readers they serve and communicate with. There are wonderful parks, great hiking and biking areas, high-quality restaurants, and shopping – whether you like a mall or the uniqueness of small stores on Main Street. Our area is big on heritage, and the many fairs and festivals reflect that passion. Marietta College gives its hometown a New England feel. Ohio University and the community of Athens, Ohio, are nearby.

The Ohio River is the common thread that runs through everything, and the Blennerhassett State Park, located on an island of the same name very close to Parkersburg, is a historic and beautiful place to get away to on a summer day.

There’s much to see and do within a couple of hours drive from our location in Western West Virginia and Southeastern Ohio. Whitewater rafting, snow skiing, and so much more are available in the mountains of West Virginia. The locally situated Mid-Ohio Valley regional airport and airports in Charleston, West Virginia, and Akron, Columbus, and Cleveland, Ohio, give you access to anywhere you want to go. Wherever you may travel, though,

Our area is proud of its history and heritage with roots in oil and industry which have helped shape our region into what it is today. WTAP’s commitment to serve the Mid-Ohio Valley, the place that we call home, shows that it doesn’t matter what the market size is… we are here doing what really matters.

The Internship Program:

General Requirements:

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 minimum wage in your state to $15 an hour.

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 117 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, Sports, News, 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
- Creative Services
- Sports
- Weather
- News Production
- News MMJ
- Engineering

We look forward to hearing from you!

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

WTAP-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.