The Georgia Association of Broadcasters successfully hosted the 2026 GAB Media Career Academy from May 11–16 at the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, bringing together 25 aspiring broadcasters from colleges and universities across Georgia for an immersive week of hands-on learning, mentorship, networking, and professional development.
Powered by the GAB Education Foundation and the National Radio Talent System, the week-long academy connected students with some of broadcasting’s top leaders in radio, television, news, programming, sales, sports media, digital content, and audience strategy. Throughout the week, students participated in workshops, station tours, live broadcasts, networking events, and career-focused sessions designed to prepare the next generation of media professionals.
GAB President Randy Gravley said, “This year’s GAB Media Career Academy proved just how bright the future of our industry really is. We were proud to welcome an outstanding group of students and recent graduates from across the country to the University of Georgia’s campus for an incredible week of hands-on learning, networking, and mentorship with some of the industry’s best. From podcasting and sports broadcasting to digital content, sales, marketing, and on-air talent development, these students gained real-world experience and valuable connections that will help launch their careers. We sincerely thank our speakers, sponsors, staff, and industry professionals who gave their time and expertise to make this program a success. The passion and creativity these students brought to the week was inspiring, and we look forward to seeing them make an impact on the broadcasting industry for years to come.”
The academy featured presentations and sessions from an outstanding lineup of industry professionals, including:
- Stephanie Moreno, University of Georgia
- Erica Farber, Former President & CEO, RAB/NRTS
- Geniece Granville, Davis Broadcasting
- David Abel, Cox Media Group Atlanta
- Alexia Ridley, WUGA
- Emma Auer, WUGA
- Daniel McDonald, WUGA
- Lara Dua-Swartz, WUGA
- Estelle Parsley, WRDW-WAGT
- Allen Power, Salem Media Group
- Kim Saxon, Atlanta News First & Peachtree TV
- Mike McVay, McVay Media
- Abby Jessen, WSB-FM/Cox Media Group
- Sanders Hickey, Golden Isles Broadcasting
- Lori Flowers, Urban One / Radio One x Reach Media
- Jenna Petracci, WJBF NewsChannel 6
- Patrick Davis, Cumulus Media
- Condace Pressley, WSB-TV
- Mike Conti, 92.9 The Game / Audacy
- Andy & Randy, 92.9 The Game
- Dukes & Bell, 92.9 The Game
- Maya Branch, Atlanta Hawks / State Farm Arena
- Big Tigger Morning Show, V103 / Audacy
- Chandra Kinsey, Audacy
- Rick Caffey, Audacy Atlanta
- Geri Ruppert, Nielsen Audio
- Lisa Fields, Media Staffing Network
- Jeff Schmidt, RAB
- Dr. Dale Van Cantfort, Piedmont University
- Don Anthony, Morning Show Boot Camp
- Charles Davis, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Students also toured WUGA, WSB-TV/Cox Media Group, Audacy Atlanta, and State Farm Arena, where they had the opportunity to observe live broadcasts and hear directly from professionals working across multiple areas of the media industry. The 2026 GAB Media Career Academy class included students representing colleges and universities from across the state:
- Caylin Anderson — Piedmont University
- Anthony Baisden — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
- Joyce Bell — University of Georgia
- Robert Bradley — University of Georgia
- Devyn Byers — Kennesaw State University
- Joshua Bryant — Morehouse College
- Samuel Cheeks — University of West Georgia
- Kaitlin Davis — Kennesaw State University
- Gracie Edwards — University of Georgia
- Angie Fei — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Sanjano Gopu — University of Georgia
- Amulika Gottiparthy — University of Georgia
- Jaden Griffin — Clark Atlanta University
- Ansley Herrin — University of Georgia
- Ryan Kanning — University of Georgia
- Benjamin Kule — University of Georgia
- Nyah Leveretter — University of Georgia
- Christopher Mannor — Georgia State University
- Aisha Morgan — Albany State University
- Derek Oliveros — University of Georgia
- Helen Rieke — University of Georgia
The GAB Media Career Academy is designed to help students build industry connections, strengthen professional skills, and gain real-world insight into careers in broadcasting and media. Since its launch, the program has helped connect aspiring broadcasters with opportunities across radio, television, sports media, news, digital content, and marketing.
The Georgia Association of Broadcasters extends its appreciation to the GAB Education Foundation, the National Radio Talent System, the University of Georgia, all guest speakers, sponsors, and participating broadcasters for helping create another successful and impactful year for the academy. View more photos from the event HERE.
