Freelance Producer, Game Telecasts

MLB Network•Secaucus, NJ

About The Position

MLB Local Media seeks a Freelance Producer, Game Telecasts to oversee the content, quality, and presentation of live game coverage for assigned club telecasts, from the game open through the final out and postgame show. In collaboration with Coordinating Producers and Local Media leadership, the producer leads each game’s creative and editorial direction, develops compelling and relevant stories, and delivers informative coverage that serves fans in each market and reflects MLB’s broadcast standards. The producer directs live game coverage and production decisions, coordinates with directors, on-air talent, production staff, club representatives, and pregame and postgame producers, and ensures that required sponsor, sales, promotional, MLB, club, and network elements and standards are met. The role also includes providing feedback, training and mentoring staff, and maintaining and increasing knowledge of production, broadcast technology, and the business. The position requires regular domestic travel, including extended road trips with assigned clubs, and a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays throughout the MLB season. Pay is $1,300–$1,800 per day. A bachelor’s degree is required; Communications, Broadcast Journalism, or a related major is preferred.

Requirements

A minimum of 5–7 years of live sports television production experience, including demonstrated experience producing live game coverage.
Proven ability to create and produce compelling live game telecasts from concept through execution.
Passion for and deep knowledge of baseball, including its rules, strategy, history, and analytics.
Strong editorial judgment and extensive understanding of which stories and concepts best serve a game telecast.
Real-time live production skills, including replay producing, graphics execution, and game timing.
Working knowledge of replay systems such as EVS, broadcast graphics platforms such as Vizrt or Chyron, and production truck and control room operations.
Proven ability to lead on-air talent and production crews through live broadcasts.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, throughout the full MLB season.
Ability to travel domestically regularly, including extended road trips with assigned clubs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organization, initiative, and ability to manage complex logistics and complete multiple assignments on time.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment, recommend and implement process improvements, work independently, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Tact, diplomacy, decisiveness, and superior people skills in a pressurized live television environment.
Ability to effectively take on leadership roles in various functions.
Ability to lift 20+ pounds.
Visual acuity sufficient to perform required tasks.
Manual dexterity sufficient to perform required tasks.
Hearing sufficient for effective interaction with stakeholders in person, by phone, and over production communications systems.
Ability to work effectively while exposed to varying and unpredictable weather, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Adobe Premiere or other editing software.
A degree in Communications, Broadcast Journalism, or a related major is preferred.

Responsibilities

Produce live MLB game coverage for assigned clubs, independently and with guidance and review from the Coordinating Producer and Local Media leadership.
Lead the moment-to-moment editorial direction of each telecast, including storylines, replay angles, graphics content, and information for on-air talent.
Establish telecast formats, rundowns, and timing, including commercial inventory, and ensure required sponsor, sales, promotional, and production-priority elements are fulfilled accurately.
Work with the Director to align editorial vision with visual and technical execution and determine technical needs for assigned telecasts.
Oversee production decisions at the venue or in the control room before and during games, including replay strategy, graphics, in-game interviews, and live event integrations.
Provide direction and guidance to on-air talent before and during games.
Organize and lead production meetings and participate in post-game reviews and department feedback meetings.
Lead production staff in conceiving, planning, and executing teases, bumps, edits, features, graphics, and other in-game elements.
Integrate Statcast and advanced data into broadcasts to enhance storytelling and viewer understanding.
Coordinate with pregame and postgame show producers on transitions, storylines, and shared elements.
Work with club broadcasting, communications, and media relations staff to coordinate access, interviews, and club-specific content.
Give constructive feedback on production crew and talent performance and share feedback with Local Media management.
Foster a collaborative, professional production environment aligned on each broadcast’s goals and vision.
Train, coach, and mentor production staff, encouraging idea generation, creative thinking, and professional growth.
Ensure broadcasts adhere to MLB, club, and network standards and practices.
Perform other duties as required.
Maintain and increase knowledge of the production discipline, broadcast technology, and the business.