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13WMAZ is ready to select a new team of Junior Journalists! Here’s what you need to know

Through an audition process, 10 young people will be selected to serve as 13WMAZ Junior Journalists

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!

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