FT seeks an audio producer in Washington

The Financial Times is looking for a Washington DC-based producer to join our growing audio team in the US. This is an exciting time to join the FT as it focuses on growing listeners through its slate of premium shows.

You will work on Swamp Notes, the FT’s weekend politics show. Swamp Notes launched in early 2024 on the feed of the FT News Briefing, the FT’s popular daily news podcast covering business and the markets. The News Briefing reaches millions of listeners every month and has been consistently expanding its global audience since launching in 2018.

You will be expected to work three days a week, helping to turn around a chat show featuring FT reporters and editors.

You will be working closely with a talented and kind team including the show host/editor, the audio team’s executive producer, and the network of expert journalists in the global Financial Times newsroom. Our team runs on collaboration, honesty and flexibility.

The role requires a strong news instinct and the ability to work to tight deadlines.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that is pushing to innovate in audio. You will form an integral part of the global team spanning the US and the UK.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract. The working days are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with some flexibility required for booking guests and helping write preps.

Our ideal candidate

• A creative and adept audio editor who can cut down an interview quickly
• Strong news instinct and the ability to shift focus when news breaks
• Experience making politics chat shows
• Knowledgeable in US politics
• Ability to learn a host’s style and write segments based on their voice
• Experience working in journalism or newsgathering in any context
• Experience working in an audio team within a print newsroom is a plus

Key Responsibilities

• Book guests each week, and help with writing preps and gathering materials
• Helping record the roundtable discussions in our DC studio on Fridays
• Efficiently turnaround mixes and quickly incorporating feedback on drafts
• Coordinate with in-house lawyer on fair dealing, copyright and libel risks
• Work quickly with the team to pivot the show, adjust the line-up and source new guests in the event of breaking news
• Develop relationships with reporters and editors across the DC newsroom, seeking out upcoming news and scoops for upcoming coverage on the show
• Share any assets with the podcast marketing manager and social media team
• Publish each episode on Saturday and write show notes
• Assist US audio team and podcasts needs as required

To apply, go here.