Associate Producer (On-Call)

American Public Media Group; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 48,367 - 49,593; Part time

Job summary

American Public Media Group is looking for an on-call producer to join their team in Pasadena, CA. The ideal candidate should have a passion for journalism and the ability to react quickly to breaking news across various platforms.

This role involves creating and editing news content, contributing to live broadcasts, and helping to ensure high production standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of two years of production or editorial experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with hosts and producers to create news content.
• Conduct and edit newsmaker interviews.
• Respond effectively to breaking news.
• Train and mentor apprentice news clerks.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication

News judgment

Ability to work under pressure

Social media knowledge

Familiarity with audio software

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Two or more years of production experience

Tools

Adobe Audition

Pro Tools

Hindenburg

Job description

Position Summary

Do you have a passion for news and public service journalism? We’re seeking an on‑call producer with strong news judgment and the ability to act quickly across platforms to play a key role in shaping the daily news in one of Southern California’s leading newsrooms.

This on‑call associate producer will work as needed with LAist’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered newscasts as well as its flagship daily public affairs show AirTalk. You will collaborate with hosts and other producers to create and edit news content, uphold editorial and production standards, write, edit, and cut news copy and audio assets for use in LAist’s newscasts, research, book, write, and cut newsmaker interviews, and respond effectively to breaking news. You will work with a cross‑platform team to ensure our daily news products are useful, timely, and conversational, and you will help bring distinctive, original reporting to a wide audience.

Location

On‑Site, Pasadena, CA

Expected Compensation Range

$35.11 – $36.00 per hour, determined by experience, education, and internal equity.

Responsibilities

• Understand and execute the newsroom’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including a goal of 50% Latinx sourcing.
• Pitch stories and guest ideas daily; identify, research, book newsmakers and guests; prepare research materials for the host.
• Collaborate on show segments and production duties with production staff.
• Screen calls during live AirTalk broadcast.
• Direct and line‑produce the show as assigned.
• Push on‑air conversation online, through the show’s social media channels, and by repackaging content for LAist.com, social media, and on‑demand.
• Conceptualize new ways to engage listeners across platforms and target content to emerging communities.
• Write news stories, scripts, promos, and edit copy as necessary.
• Capture, edit, and upload audio clips for use during broadcast.
• Train and mentor apprentice news clerks and interns.
• Maintain relationships with technical staff, audio engineers, and other departments.
• Fill in for Producer and Producer II.
• Coordinate special projects, live events, and series.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
• Two or more years of production, editorial, or related experience.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Passion for local, national, and international news.
• Solid news judgment on sources, issues, and journalistic best practices.
• Extremely strong verbal and written communication, interviewing, and editing skills.
• Ability to write accurate, compelling news copy quickly.
• Flexibility and composure under daily deadline pressure.
• Ability to react and adapt a live show to breaking news.
• Proven ability to contribute to a positive, diverse, creative, high‑performance culture.
• Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of assignments, both day‑of and in the future.
• Knowledge of effective social media messaging and platforms.
• Ability to direct and motivate news clerks.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to consistently work effectively and collaboratively with host and other staff.
• Passion for excellence in all aspects of the program.
• Tremendous energy, ambition, and drive to improve LAist programming.
• Familiarity with digital audio workstations such as Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, and Hindenburg.
• Will become and remain a SAG‑AFTRA member in good standing by the 30th day of employment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with call‑in, talk show, or public affairs programming.
• Experience in daily newscast production.
• Experience using broadcast software such as ENPS, NewsBoss, Burli, etc.
• Familiarity with Southern California demographics and key figures.
• Field production experience.
• Knowledge of Spanish.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Demands

• Move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods.
• Move about in the community.
• Frequent use of hands for data entry and simple grasping.

Working Conditions

• Moderate noise level.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.