News Producer

Public Broadcasting Atlanta (PBA) is a non-profit organization formally called Atlanta Educational Telecommunications Collaborative, Inc. (AETC).  As a broadcast service, PBA is comprised of WABE90.1FM, WPBA-TV30 and the digital service Atlanta PlanIt. For more information on the broadcast service, programming and opportunities, please visit www.wabe.org.

Summary:

This is a professional position serving as a morning edition producer for WABE 90.1FM.  This position requires experience in news script writing, audio editing, show timing, guest booking, interviewing and reporting both local and state news in accordance with NPR style.  As a morning edition producer, responsibilities include but are not limited to generating news ideas, present enriching stories, and an ability to respond to breaking news. This position is supervised by the host/senior producer.

Accountability:
  • Works under the direction of host/senior producer.
  • Pitches story ideas, gathers audio for show, as well as identifies and researches topics of interest.
  • Gathers news articles, study/poll information, etc.
  • Books sources for interviews and edits for broadcast.
  • Finds appropriate guests, gathers bios, and provides all necessary information for appearance on show.
  • Pre-interviews guests and writes interview scripts for host.
  • Serves as WABE reporter for local and national news programs, presenting local news reports in a conversational, public radio style and files stories as needed.
  • Works in cooperation with the news department to compile stories and live, on-air presentation of local content for news programs. This will be a combination of in-studio production, interviewing (some live), coverage of special news assignments as directed, working with technical equipment related to broadcasting, participating in mandatory on-air fundraising.
  • Hosting on-air during news programs may be required, and air shifts will vary depending on needs of the station and station management.
  • Operates on-air broadcast board as needed.
  • Produce multi-platform content for digital/TV presence of show(s).
  • Mixes interview audio using digital audio software.
  • Downloads music, film and TV clips as needed for production.
  • Demonstrates multi-track editing ability while gaining proficiency on the job.
  • Introduces and/or voices stories and segments as needed.
  • Technical set up, books guests, preps host as needed.
  • Edits pre-recorded audio for length, clarity, and content.
  • Quality controls items from the previous shift to fact-check scripts and make sure audio is of proper quality.
  • Consistently ensures that audio, sound placement, and mixing follow appropriate narrative of stories Duties of Associate Producer, plus:
  • Hosts on-air interviews as needed.
  • Works on deadlines and attends planning meetings.
  • Writing: Billboard, promo, headline & summary of each show segment for digital content.
  • Develops additional digital components (infographics, maps, videos, slideshows, etc.) for special series or multi-platform initiatives.
  • Promotes show topics in advance on social media.
  • Screens emails, news and social media for use during the show.
  • May contribute to the execution of live events or broadcasts.
  • Makes regular contributions to all WABE/ PBA platforms.
  • Acts as lead producer for some special series and events.
  • Assists in educational outreach activities.
  • Contributes and participates in fundraising activities and related production.
  • Other duties as assigned by Station Management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience and Education Requirements

  • BA Degree and minimum of three years of applicable experience.
  • Demonstrated experience and proven track record in gathering news, anchoring/reporting, writing scripts as well as interviewing and production.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and producing news content (Ability to use desktop editing, studio production equipment, and reporter field kit).
  • Must be able to set up and engineer two-way interviews.
  • Must be able to quickly make judgments and know how to analyze what is newsworthy.
  • Must be proficient in the use and handling of audio compact flash recorders and moving recorded product into automation system.
  • Effectively communicates with Editor and Assignment Editor on stories coming in for following shifts.
  • Must be able to run (or learn to run) an air control board and fill in as host on news shifts when needed.
  • Excellent and proven ability to edit in the multi-track mode of Adobe Audition or similar audio edit by software, and able to train others on its use.
  • Must develop understanding of NPR’s newsmagazine clocks and how best to utilize local news breaks to ensure local and national sound and quality uniformity.
  • Exceptional organizational, interpersonal and communication skills are a must in this position.
  • Must be able to handle a variety of activities, work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Digital reporting experience is a plus.
  • Knowledge of the Atlanta area is preferred, but not necessary.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 10 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. Position, at least initially, will be located off-site in accordance with station policy on off-site work for most staff in response to coronavirus. Candidates must be willing and able to work from home but provide their own transportation to the station once off-site work conditions are lifted.

Submit resume and cover letter to:
Public Broadcasting Atlanta
Attention: Human Resources
740 Bismark Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Fax: 678-553-3026
Apply online at: www.wabe.org
Email: jobs@pba.org
EOE