Learn from the BEST in the business.
Gray Media, Inc. is a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households. The Gray Media Training Center, at WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi is an immersive experience that trains, prepares, and equips participants to become future industry leaders in local broadcasting and digital media.
Gray Media Training Center Program participants will gain practical, hands-on experience in the five essential areas of the local and digital media industry: News, Marketing, Production, Engineering, and Multimedia Sales.
Michael A. White, Jr. is an accomplished broadcast television producer and journalist, currently serving as the Director of Operations for the Gray Media Training Center at WLBT in Jackson, Mississippi. A native of Flora, Mississippi, White has built a distinguished, award-winning career in the media industry, marked by his dedication to fostering the next generation of media professionals.
White's journey in broadcast journalism began in 2013 when he joined WLBT as an intern. His passion and commitment quickly earned him a part-time position as a Studio Operator in 2014. Demonstrating strong organizational skills and a keen understanding of the industry, White advanced to Associate Producer, then News Producer, and eventually led the WLBT Morning News team as Executive Producer in 2020.
A graduate of Jackson State University, White earned his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mass Communications and Media Studies. His academic and professional background, combined with his hands-on experience, has equipped him with the expertise to lead the Gray Media Training Center. Under White's leadership, the Gray Media Training Center provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in various aspects of the media industry, including news, marketing, production, engineering, and advertising sales.
Gray Media, Inc. developed the media training center program at WLBT, where White is educating and training aspiring students who attend Mississippi colleges and universities.
Jamiah Alexander
Dajnea Antoine
Martiyona Carter
Rashawn Gallaspy
Elizabeth Aleigha Stamps
Tamilya Thomas
Jaylin Thornton
Cameron Washington
Brandon A Buie
Tyarian Carson
Masun Foster
Kirklyn Harris
De'Erica Hayes
Janilyah Khadaran
Jamall Morris
Ryan Poston
Caleb Thomas
Matthieu Welch
Tamia Davis
Tamora Haymon
Jarmarious Holmes
Ceven Kidd
Crishton Chapman
Kaitlin Mapp
Lanarrious Maye
Azahraya Beals
Caleb Kent
Diavianne Fowler
Jaliyah Armon
Tahj Bradley
Dejah Burton
Christopher Farrish
McKenzie Haggard
Antonio Jackson
Kaitlyn Johnson
Kyler Patton
Jordan Riley
A'Darius Rucker
Thomas Beard
Raniah Braclet
Larissa Chillous
Corrin Dixon
NaTya Gunn
Tiara Leflore
Acie Lewis
Dara Tuggle
Krystal White
Madison Williams
Samaria Williams
Nicholas Wright
Ahmaad Harvey
Ariana Sanders
Caleb Harris
Candice Bruce
Jar'Kevious Edwards
Johnathan McGee
Joshua Hughes
Karam Kaur
Keshun Carr
Taylor Byrd
Verlicia Gavin
Zapouria Wadley
Raheal Aka-ety
Ladarrius Besst
Ethan Goode
Eddie Howard
Colby Hunter
D'Marius Jones
Gabrielle Moore
Desire Tackett
Brittany Thomas
Aaron Ursin
Jessie Washington
Delesha Banks
Mekiyla Brown
Joliyah Daughtry
Tiara Jackson
De'Nautis Liddell
Harmony Porter
Jasmine Puckett
Makyla Simmons
Dejona Sims
Kori Ann Walters
News
A condensed and modernized lesson that introduces college students to journalism concepts, media literacy, and daily newsroom operations. Our news curriculum is designed to help students integrate basic journalism strategies into today’s newsrooms.
Marketing
The marketing curriculum provides an in-depth understanding of product design, brand engagement, and promotional writing. Students will explore the stages of successfully developing promotional content and introducing the product to the public.
Engineering & I.T.
Students will have a firm understanding of the electronics technology found in Broadcast Engineering along with the increasing presence mobile media and digital audio have in today's marketplace.
Production
The broadcasting and production technology curriculum provides hands-on fundamentals associated with journalistic content creation and Master Control training.
Advertising Sales
Our sales training curriculum is designed to help shape client conversations and translate skills into business relationships. Students will gain advanced knowledge in interpersonal communication skills, negotiation, and sales management.
Gray Announces Inaugural Media Training Center Participants
August 29, 2022
Gray Television and WLBT (NBC) in Jackson, Mississippi, today announced the inaugural group of participants in the Gray Media Training Center internship program. The first class includes 10 students who will begin the program in late August in conjunction...
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WLBT And Gray Television Do The Right Thing
July 11, 2022
Today, WLBT is a model for race relations, but in the 1960s things were very different. The original owners had worked zealously against minority rights, using the station’s airways to actively promote segregation...
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WLBT Jackson Names Director For New College Media Training Center
April 15, 2022
WLBT, Gray’s NBC affiliate in Jackson, Miss., has appointed Michael A. White Jr. the director of operations for the Gray/WLBT Media Training Center, launching later this year...
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Gray launches media training center at WLBT to enhance industry diversity, train next generation of media leaders
February 16, 2022
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Gray Television, Inc. announced plans to create the Gray Media Training Center in partnership with WLBT, the top-ranked NBC affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi....
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Gray Launches Media Training Center to Enhance Industry Diversity and Train the Next Generation of Media Leaders
February 16, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray,” “we,” or “our”) (NYSE: GTN) today announced plans to create the Gray Media Training Center in partnership with WLBT, our top-ranked NBC affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi....
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