Unscripted Television Currents Executive (freelance)

Hearst Television•Glendale, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) is seeking an experienced, creative, and business-savvy Unscripted Television Currents Executive to join HMPG’s Glendale studio on a freelance basis. This role sits at the intersection of creative development, production oversight, and financial/logistical management. The ideal candidate will bring show‑running pedigree on unscripted programming, along with the ability to shepherd projects from development through delivery — balancing big‑picture vision with disciplined execution. This position reports to the Executive Vice President of Production and is in office four (4) days per week at our Hearst offices located in Glendale, CA.

Requirements

5+ years of experience as a currents executive, show‑runner, executive producer, or senior creative lead on unscripted television.
Strong development background with proven ability to develop and evolve show concepts.
Deep understanding of television production workflows and compliance requirements.
Financial fluency including budgeting and vendor/talent negotiations.
Excellent leadership, communication, and team‑management skills.
Flexible, adaptive, and comfortable working in a freelance environment.

Responsibilities

Shepherd programming from development through delivery.
Identify and evaluate ideas, formats, talent, and story opportunities for projects in development, evolve decks, bibles, schedules, etc.
Oversee creative direction and maintain tone/brand consistency across series or episodes.
Collaborate with show runners, writers, story producers, and others to shape narrative and craft story.
Oversee pre-production, production, and post‑production workflows including scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.
Participate in the hiring and coordination of key production personnel and external vendors.
Serve as the primary liaison between HMPG, outside vendors, and third‑party partners.
Manage contracts, logistics, compliance, and risk‑management protocols.
Partner with Production Management to develop and manage budgets, monitor spending and forecast costs.
Assist senior management and Business Affairs with the negotiation of terms with talent, vendors, and service providers.
Interface professionally with network/streamer executives.
Ensure timely delivery to networks/streamers based on required specifications.
Issue regular reports on status, budget, risk, and scheduling.
Act as the creative and operational hub for each project.