News Producer

2060 Digital•City of Rochester, NY

16d

About The Position

Constructs and plans a daily newscast by organizing, writing, selecting, and making creative decisions for assigned live newscast, using criteria established by management. Makes decisions about stories to be included, how long they should be, the form of the story (i.e. voice over, live remote, reporter package, etc.), and in what order they should run. Writes and rewrites stories as needed. Plans for contingencies. Makes sure all aspects of the newscast are complete before the newscast airs. Plans ahead and meets deadlines so newscasts can run smoothly for all involved. Important aspects include completed scripts, graphic information, video lists, all necessary script times, and key information. Enters information for story choices and storied into the newsroom computer system. Notifies proper people of any changes or special situations that may come up in a timely manner (i.e. breaking news, live shots) Writes and posts stories to website and other media platforms. Posts to social media. Frequently updates online stories. Edits videotape for broadcast as needed. Communicates frequently throughout the shift and works collaboratively with others in the newsroom including reporters, anchors, photographers, assignment desk staff, creative services and other producers about the newscast and any changes being made. Relays story and newscast instructions and information throughout the day via telephones, e-mails or other ways available. Assigns reporters and photographers as needed. Motivates staff before and during newscast. Responds and work well in a crisis and during breaking news. Handles last minute and unexpected changes. Communicates quickly and clearly to necessary staff and talent. Writes clear, accurate and interesting stories. Ensures that any visuals shown are relevant, appropriate and impact. Breaks down complicated and involved stories so that they are easy to understand. Makes decisions about the timing of a live newscast as it is being broadcast. The Producer watches the live newscast from a designated control room. Communicates changes to director, technical director, audio operator, graphics person, master control operator, and anchors. Decisions about the live newscast are immediate and communications must be relayed clearly and timely. Completes post-show paperwork and tasks including the technical trouble report and archiving. Attends editorial and strategic meetings. Comes prepared to meetings and interacts professionally with others. Contributes story ideas on a daily basis. Has passion for news and is knowledgeable of local, national and world events. Has a handle on what is going on in the community. Consults with news director and/or executive producer on difficult editorial issues. Works established schedule. Fills in for others and other positions if needed. Completes other duties as assigned and needed.

Requirements

Ability to read, write and speak English well.
Able to work with others as part of a team.
Excellent organization and writing skills including grammar and spelling
Understands when to take charge of situations when it is warranted.
Four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism or communications or equivalent experience.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Must be able and willing to work all newsroom shifts including overnights, weekends, evenings, early mornings days, evenings, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Experience producing a local television newscast preferred.

Responsibilities

Constructs and plans a daily newscast
Makes decisions about stories
Writes and rewrites stories
Plans for contingencies
Makes sure all aspects of the newscast are complete before it airs
Enters information into the newsroom computer system
Notifies proper people of changes or special situations
Writes and posts stories to website and other media platforms
Posts to social media
Frequently updates online stories
Edits videotape for broadcast as needed
Communicates frequently throughout the shift
Assigns reporters and photographers as needed
Motivates staff before and during newscast
Responds and work well in a crisis and during breaking news
Handles last minute and unexpected changes
Writes clear, accurate and interesting stories
Makes decisions about the timing of a live newscast as it is being broadcast
Completes post-show paperwork and tasks including the technical trouble report and archiving
Attends editorial and strategic meetings
Contributes story ideas on a daily basis
Consults with news director and/or executive producer on difficult editorial issues
Works established schedule
Fills in for others and other positions if needed
Completes other duties as assigned and needed