The Research Producer will conduct editorial research, develop story ideas, pre-interview potential characters, and be encouraged to pitch and produce stories for America at a Crossroads, a two-year reporting by award-winning broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff as she examines divisions across the country and their impacts on our relationships, communities, government, and democratic institutions.
The Research Producer will be an integral part of this team, scouting ahead for stories, helping to find events and voices to illustrate ideas, and preparing Judy Woodruff with in-depth research needed ahead of interviews, field shoots, and specials. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of research methods and broadcast news and field production, and a desire to pitch and produce stories for the series. This is a SAG-AFTRA covered position.
The Producer will work closely with the Senior Coordinating Producer for the Crossroads project and the dedicated series team, in collaboration with other producers and staff. The Producer will collaborate and communicate clearly with senior management for both broadcast and digital in story development, series goals and resources, and the timely delivery of segments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide research to correspondent Judy Woodruff and the Crossroads team; scout stories for future airdates; pre-interview potential voices for inclusion in segments; help find archival video and images for broadcast and digital stories.
- Proactively pitch topics for both short and long form tape reports and interview segments based on editorial series goals and news of the day, in collaboration with correspondent and senior management.
- Contribute to other special projects and stories as assigned, including breaking news and major political events, as assigned.
- Collaborate with digital leadership to ensure multi-platform reach of the overall series and individual stories.
SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Experience researching broadcast television stories for a national broadcast or digital outlet, with a special focus on national political coverage and feature storytelling.
- Keen appreciation for the journalistic standards of the PBS NewsHour and the industry in general.
- Significant understanding of broadcast video production and field producing.
- Field producing, shooting and non-linear editing experience are a plus but not required.
- Ability to communicate with colleagues in various positions and levels with timeliness, accuracy, professionalism, tact and discretion.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced newsroom setting and adjust smoothly to changing assignments under deadline pressure.
- Excellent oral and demonstrated writing skills with careful attention to detail, especially in coordinating communication with colleagues and external stake holders.
- Excellent organizational, teamwork, project planning and time management skills.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- At least 3 years of experience in a daily newsroom, the majority of that with a national broadcast news outlet.
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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