MACON, Ga. — This summer, 13WMAZ will begin the search for a new team of Junior Journalists!
The process will take many weeks to complete, and it begins with open auditions. There are two opportunities to try out.
- The first one is June 26 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon.
- The second one is July 18 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.
What do students trying out need to bring?
- Proof of residence that shows you live in the 13WMAZ viewing area (utility bill or mortgage statement).
- Counties in our coverage area are Baldwin, Bibb, Bleckley, Crawford, Dodge, Dooly, Hancock, Houston, Johnson, Jones, Laurens, Macon, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Telfair, Treutlen, Twiggs, Washington, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson.
- Proof of age that shows a birthday between August 1, 2011 and August 1, 2014 (birth certificate or passport).
What can students expect at the audition?
- Students trying out will be interviewed by two 13WMAZ associates. We want to see each child’s personality and how they present themselves. These interviews usually last around 5 minutes.
- After the interview, we will take the student’s official audition picture.
For helpful hints from the 13WMAZ Team, take a look!
What happens after the first round of auditions?
- Students with the top scores from Round One auditions are called back for an on-camera interview at our studios on Gray Highway.
- A community panel of judges watches the recorded interviews and scores those students again. Students with the top ten scores become our new team of Junior Journalists.
- 13WMAZ anchors surprise each Junior Journalist at their school!
What is required of Junior Journalists?
- Each Junior Journalist reports once every 10 weeks, typically on Tuesdays.
- Parents must be available to transport children to and from all shoot locations (Junior Journalists are not allowed to ride in company vehicles for safety reasons).
- Junior Journalists may appear on any 13WMAZ platform, including social media.
- Junior Journalists represent 13WMAZ in the community, and are expected to be role models.
- **Any school discipline issues that result in suspension or expulsion may result in your child being asked to leave the team.
- Junior Journalists are also strongly encouraged to volunteer for 13WMAZ community activities like Stuff the Truck, Listening Lab, etc.
What do Junior Journalists do on reporting days?
- Junior Journalists have a very special role in the My Teacher is Tops program. Throughout the school year, Junior Journalists are the ones who surprise the winning teachers nominated by their students.
- When school is out or other big events are happening, Junior Journalists may report on them.
- These can range from upcoming events to the Georgia National Fair to current events related to young people.
- The Junior Journalist typically begins the day around 10:00 a.m. Then they come back to the station on Gray Highway to put the story together. Junior Journalists are done with their workday no later than 3:00 p.m.
- Junior Journalists get a 13WMAZ shirt and official badge that should be worn on reporting days.
Check out this video review of the current team's time as Junior Journalists!