KPBS Freelance News Producer
About The Position
The salary range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. This position is scheduled to close on 4/23/26 at 4:00pm (PST). This position is filled on an on-call, as-needed basis with no set schedule or guaranteed number of hours. KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming. KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego. Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience. It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide. Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc. Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by position) Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events Free wellness classes & programs Staff pop-up events Sick leave accruals and paid leave options On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability) Opportunities for continued learning and professional development Employee assistance program Voluntary retirement savings plan
Requirements
- Knowledge of journalistic techniques, materials, and equipment used in news production.
- Ability to use programs for the creation of audio news content including software to organize newscast rundowns and audio editing software such as Adobe Audition.
- Ability to consistently write with AP/Broadcast style, structure and grammar.
- Ability to write on at least one platform (audio, video, or web) and the willingness to develop competence on one other or both platforms.
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts, and to respond to breaking news as needed.
- Ability to perform moderately complex technical work and produce daily news content.
- Ability to interact/communicate effectively with co-workers and audience members on all relevant news mediums and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to display organization and manage time efficiently, meet deadlines, display detail orientation, and possess good judgment.
- Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity and strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members and students.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work in journalism.
- At least 2 years of progressively responsible or related experience in journalism along with basic news judgment, understanding of journalism ethics and the ability to swiftly and accurately report or produce breaking news on all platforms.
Nice To Haves
- Broad knowledge of current San Diego regional issues.
- Ability to think creatively about topics and story angles.
- Ability to speak, read, write, and translate Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and create content for radio newscasts, the San Diego News Now daily podcast and KPBS.org . This includes writing copy for broadcast, coordinating with student assistants to pull in outside content, and pitching, booking, and writing scripts for two-ways.
- Work closely with radio anchors on newscast rundowns for accuracy and timeliness.
- Track and update information in newscast platform Inception and Google Drive.
- Gather audio/video in the field on occasion and as needed.
- Edit audio using Adobe Audition. This includes editing two-ways with anchors, repurposing content from Midday Edition and web and social media projects.
- Work on content that falls outside of the regular newscasts, including assisting with Midday Edition, the San Diego News Now podcast or special programs like election shows and debates as needed.
- Help with coordination with field reporters during breaking news.
- Assist in planning for upcoming shows.
- Read, listen, watch, and follow major developments on stories of interest to the public media audience in San Diego and Imperial counties.
- Maintain contact lists and files for continuing coverage and accumulation of knowledge.
- Brainstorms ideas with editors, hosts, reporters, and producers.
- Attend meetings, represent the station at community-building events, perform appropriate record keeping, manage correspondence, phone calls, supplies and equipment, may participate in on-air fundraising activities, and other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
- Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by position)
- Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
- Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
- Free wellness classes & programs
- Staff pop-up events
- Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
- On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
- Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
- Employee assistance program
- Voluntary retirement savings plan
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
