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Media Sales Institute

Are you an outgoing, ambitious, goal-oriented person interested in media? Consider applying for a fellowship to participate in the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation's (NABEF) Media Sales Institute (MSI) and you could begin an exciting career in media sales! More than 500 students have participated in this industry recognized program, which offers the training that will give could give you the advantage you need to begin a promising career in the media industry.

Why Choose a Career in Media Sales?

  • Media sales professionals interact with individuals in a myriad of industries on a daily basis.
  • Working in media sales offers impressive growth opportunities – more than 90 percent of media executives began their career in media sales.
  • Media sales professionals are often the highest paid professionals in the industry.
  • Working in media sales offers you the opportunity to work at your favorite radio station, television station or media company.

Sales is not only about promoting and cashing in, you have an opportunity to impact the bottom line. If you want a job that is challenging, rewarding and offers new opportunities every day, then a career in media sales is right for you.

What is the Media Sales Institute?

The Media Sales Institute is an intensive10-day "boot camp" where students are immersed in learning electronic media advertising sales and sales techniques. The curriculum is designed to provide an entree into media sales for talented students of diverse backgrounds. MSI trains the candidates in radio, television, cable, print, digital and internet sales. Participants are presented with case studies and produce their own sales presentations based on pre-determined criteria. At the end of the course, each participant delivers a mock sales presentation to a group of media executives seeking candidates interested in positions in media sales. A career fair is held at the end of the course where candidates have one-on-one interviews with media company executives. More than 75 percent of the participants are hired by media companies two weeks to one month after their participation in the program.

What Will You Learn?


CEO's and top executives of major media companies teach sessions on the following topics among the many offered:

  • Effective writing and business communication
  • Key advertising strategies
  • Professional customer development skills
  • Copywriting
  • Branding yourself
  • Understanding corporate culture
  • Effective selling
  • Resume building
  • Political media sales
  • The Nielsen Rating Service
  • Revenue flow in media sales
  • Media sales basics
"The Media Sales Institute is phenomenal. The speakers and instructors that they brought in were excellent. The institute not only positioned me to gain insight on how the industry works, but it also was the place that granted me the opportunity to meet my current employer."
-Brent Hatchett, account executive, WTHL


Which Companies Recruit at the Media Sales Institute?

ABC Comcast Katz Media Group
CBS Cox Media Group New England Sports Network
ESPN Cumulus Broadcasting New York Times Company
NBC Universal Emmis Communications Perry Media
Fox Gannett Radio One
Bonneville Radio Gray Television Scripps
Beasley Broadcasting Group Hearst Sinclair Broadcasting
BET ICBC Radio  
Clear Channel Radio Interep  



"I very much enjoyed this experience and would look forward to participating again. I am so impressed by the quality of training they received and really appreciate seeing the result of those efforts. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to participate."
–Julie Nelson, Sinclair Broadcasting Group


How You Will Benefit?

Media Sales Institute fellows receive:

  • Free registration to the institute (valued at approximately $3,000)
  • Free housing and meals
  • Networking opportunities with industry executives
  • The opportunity to build a peer network of media professionals
  • Career counseling
  • The opportunity for one-on-one interviews with media companies across the country
  • Ongoing support via online professional networking and webinars hosted on the MSI professional networking website
  • The prestige associated with receiving the NABEF Media Sales Certification


How to Apply

NABEF is offering the 2012 MSI program at two universities. Choose the one that's right for you.


Howard University


NABEF MSI at Howard University
Department of Radio, TV and Film
520 Bryant Street, NW, Room 230
Washington, D.C. 20059
Email: hu_msi@yahoo.com
Sponsored by NABEF
June 4, 2012



Florida A&M University


NABEF/NABOB MSI at Florida A&M University
School of Journalism and Graphic Communication
Tallahassee, Fla. 32307
Email: deidre.williams@famu.edu
Sponsored by NABEF, National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) and developed by Personal Selling Principles
May 14, 2012



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