The Production Assistant (‘PA’) is responsible for providing a diverse range of writing, research, editing, production, and tracking services to support the work of the PBS NewsHour. The PA exercises independent judgment and collaborates with the Senior Producer(s), Producer(s), Editor(s) and other members of the PBS NewsHour organization, in the coordination of the many production elements involved with broadcasting a daily news program television and online broadcast.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Prepare news material and news feeds for compilation and to produce compilations exercising independent judgment.
- Research and fulfill video requests for PBS NewsHour producers. Acquire footage and create footage logs for Correspondents, Producers, and Associate Producer. Back up Assignment Editor on a rotating basis.
- Assist in covering breaking news and in writing for broadcast news summary.
- Write scripts and gather video for day-of-air segments.
- Edit and duplicate video for clients, guests, and others, as necessary, using editing programs, such as Avid Media Composer. Provide production assistance.
- Log video recordings, maintain video log tracking system, and manage on-site and off-site video storage. Aid in maintenance of video library.
- Represent company and interact with NHP clients, taking and fulfilling orders for video. Assist the news desk to route video.
- Monitor and log incoming video offerings from sources including APTN, Reuters, ITN and ABC NewsOne. Source and timecode video material for daily stories.
- Contribute to online Rundown blog and/or online video projects as assigned.
- Assist producers/production team to ensure stories ready for air, including editing stories for the show’s rundown for time and order, overseeing graphics and video cues, and producing and distributing the show’s script.
- Assist Senior Producer in variety of tasks as assigned.
- Operate computer graphics system, such as Chyron.
- Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.
SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced newsroom setting and to adjust smoothly to changing assignments under deadline pressure.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent spelling and grammar, and demonstrated writing skills with careful attention to detail.
- Excellent organizational, project planning and follow-through, presentation and time management skills. Flexible and able to handle multiple tasks.
- Ability to work closely with colleagues in a collaborative manner during high stress situations.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to interact with a wide variety of people using diplomacy, tact and discretion.
- Demonstrated understanding and application of computer technology to efficiently accomplish work.
- Demonstrated interest in daily journalism and/or longer-form journalism and a basic working knowledge of and interest in current events, major governmental and political institutions, history, and foreign affairs.
- Availability to work a non-standard or extended work schedule at times with little or no notice.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- College degree in journalism, communications, political science, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Introductory experience with broadcast and online journalism, including writing, editing, and shooting preferred.
- Experience with nonlinear editing programs desirable.
- Or equivalent combination of training and experience.
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