Primetime Programming - Associate Producer

C-SPAN; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

C-SPAN in Washington, DC is seeking a Production Associate to support daily production of primetime programming. You will assist in segment development, research, and guest preparation, and help with live control room tasks.

Responsibilities include writing scripts, selecting video elements, coordinating graphics, and contributing to digital content across platforms. The role requires strong research, writing, and teamwork skills, with flexibility for evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Journalism or related field preferred.
• Minimum two years of related experience in television, electronic or online media.
• Strong knowledge of and interest in politics, government and public affairs.
• Strong news judgment and ability to identify significant developments and relevant program elements.
• Excellent research, writing, verbal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to research and produce program segments and prepare clear, accurate copy under deadline.
• Ability to identify and effectively use video, particularly primary-source video, as an editorial and production element.
• Ability to work effectively in a live control room environment and respond quickly to breaking news and changing program needs.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities under daily deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Producers, Hosts, Production Assistants and colleagues across departments.
• Understanding of C-SPAN programming and editorial approach.
• Flexibility with hours and workdays, including evenings and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Senior Producer and production team in all aspects of the development and execution of C-SPAN's primetime programming.
• Assists in developing and producing individual program segments and other editorial elements under the direction of the Senior Producer and other Producers.
• Researches and prepares background materials, interview questions and other information for Hosts and Producers.
• Assists with guest booking and coordinates guest-related editorial and production needs as assigned.
• Writes and prepares scripts, introductions, transitions and other program copy as assigned.
• Identifies, selects and edits C-SPAN video and other appropriate visual elements for use in the programs.
• Develops and coordinates graphics and other production elements in collaboration with Producers and appropriate production teams.
• Assists the Line Producer in the live control room by monitoring live events and gathering, organizing and coordinating video, graphics and other program elements before and during broadcasts.
• Monitors breaking news and ongoing C-SPAN coverage and communicates relevant developments to the production team.
• Contributes ideas for program segments, recurring features and other elements that support the development of the primetime programs.
• Coordinates with Production Assistants and other colleagues to ensure assigned program elements are completed accurately and on deadline.
• Contributes to the programs' digital and social media efforts and works with appropriate teams to identify content for use across C-SPAN platforms.
• Functions in similar capacities for other C-SPAN programs as needed.
• Upholds C-SPAN's editorial standards of fairness, accuracy and balance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Research & writing

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

News judgment

Team collaboration

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Journalism or related field

Job description

GENERAL FUNCTION

Responsible for assisting in the daily production of C-SPAN's live, nightly primetime programming. Supports the Senior Producer, Line Producer and production team with segment production, research, writing, video and graphic elements, guest preparation and live control room responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the Senior Producer and production team in all aspects of the development and execution of C-SPAN's primetime programming.
• Assists in developing and producing individual program segments and other editorial elements under the direction of the Senior Producer and other Producers.
• Researches and prepares background materials, interview questions and other information for Hosts and Producers.
• Assists with guest booking and coordinates guest-related editorial and production needs as assigned.
• Writes and prepares scripts, introductions, transitions and other program copy as assigned.
• Identifies, selects and edits C-SPAN video and other appropriate visual elements for use in the programs.
• Develops and coordinates graphics and other production elements in collaboration with Producers and appropriate production teams.
• Assists the Line Producer in the live control room by monitoring live events and gathering, organizing and coordinating video, graphics and other program elements before and during broadcasts.
• Monitors breaking news and ongoing C-SPAN coverage and communicates relevant developments to the production team.
• Contributes ideas for program segments, recurring features and other elements that support the development of the primetime programs.
• Coordinates with Production Assistants and other colleagues to ensure assigned program elements are completed accurately and on deadline.
• Contributes to the programs' digital and social media efforts and works with appropriate teams to identify content for use across C-SPAN platforms.
• Functions in similar capacities for other C-SPAN programs as needed.
• Upholds C-SPAN's editorial standards of fairness, accuracy and balance.
• Other duties as assigned.

BACKGROUND/SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Journalism or related field preferred.
• Minimum two years of related experience in television, electronic or online media.
• Strong knowledge of and interest in politics, government and public affairs.
• Strong news judgment and ability to identify significant developments and relevant program elements.
• Excellent research, writing, verbal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to research and produce program segments and prepare clear, accurate copy under deadline.
• Ability to identify and effectively use video, particularly primary-source video, as an editorial and production element.
• Ability to work effectively in a live control room environment and respond quickly to breaking news and changing program needs.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities under daily deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Producers, Hosts, Production Assistants and colleagues across departments.
• Understanding of C-SPAN programming and editorial approach.
• Flexibility with hours and workdays, including evenings and weekends as required.