Gray Media Training Program Summer-Fall 2026

(WDBJ) - WDBJ7, WZBJ, and WDBJ7.com are a Gray-owned dominant CBS-affiliated media powerhouse in beautiful Roanoke, Virginia. Known as “Your Hometown Station®”, WDBJ7 and WZBJ serve 26 counties across the Blue Ridge Mountain region and produce 58 hours of award-winning local news coverage, more than any competitors in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market.

For 70 years, WDBJ7 has been the number one station of choice for viewers from Roanoke to Lynchburg and across the New River Valley.

Job Summary:

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 Training Program:

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 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.

College students, seniors preferred, 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:

Sports

Weather

News Production

News MMJ

Marketing

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.

Interested in the program? Go to gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, type “Intern WDBJ” (in search bar)

WDBJ/Gray Media is a drug-free company.