Gray Media Training Center selects two Alcornites for its second class
Two students from Alcorn State University’s Department of Mass Communications are the newest members of a budding program geared toward preparing aspiring journalists for media careers.
Seniors Ladarrius Besst and D’Marius Jones, both of Jackson, Mississippi, were selected to participate in the Gray Media Training Center’s second class at WLBT. The Center will educate and train students who attend Mississippi colleges and universities, focusing on HBCUs and universities in the state.
The interns will learn today’s best practices in broadcast and digital journalism, receiving hands-on training in production, sales, operations, IT, engineering, coding, and marketing. The students were selected based on their stellar academic performance and passion for journalism.
Both students look forward to experiencing all that the program has to offer.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to further my knowledge of the broadcasting industry,” said Besst. “I’m also thankful that the program director saw something in me and selected me for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“This opportunity is a blessing because I will gain experience and meet people who share some of the same creative passions as mine,” said Jones. “Participating in this internship is a stepping stone for me.”
The future journalists believe participating in the program will help them become standout media professionals.
“I could see myself becoming a freelance journalist. My experience in this program will guide me into choosing the best path, whether it be sales, marketing, broadcasting, or something else,” said Besst.
“I hope to become a diverse and dynamic journalist who displays honesty and creativity in all of my projects,” said Jones.
The students appreciate the opportunity to increase their journalism knowledge and skills.
“I hope to gain knowledge from each department within the program to build character and experience how it is to work in a professional journalism setting,” said Besst.
“I look forward to gaining more insight and opportunities to work and learn in this field,” said Jones. “I’m thankful for the exposure. I hope to apply what I learn to my career while passing my knowledge to others to enhance our community.”