Primetime Programming - Production Assistant

C-SPAN; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

C-SPAN in Washington, DC seeks a Production Assistant to support daily prep and live primetime programming, assisting Producers and Hosts with program elements, graphics, research, and viewer participation.

The role requires strong research, writing and verbal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced live production environment including evenings and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Interest in current events, politics and public affairs.
• Strong research and writing abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate clearly under deadline pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily prep and production of live primetime programs.
• Prepare program elements: video clips, graphics, research, materials.
• Support in live control room and coordinate elements during broadcasts.
• Operate TelePrompter for on-air hosts.
• Screen and post viewer calls for primetime and other productions.
• Participate in daily editorial and planning meetings.
• Create on-air graphics per presentation guidelines.
• Coordinate guest prep and studio needs across teams.

Skills

Journalism interest

Research skills

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Multi-tasking

Live production

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

GENERAL FUNCTION:

Assist with the daily production of C-SPAN's live, nightly primetime programming, as well as other public affairs programming for the network. Support Producers and Hosts in the preparation and execution of program elements, including video, graphics, research, viewer participation and live control room production.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists Producers with the daily preparation and production of C-SPAN's live primetime programs.
• Assists in the preparation of program elements, including C-SPAN video clips, graphics, background research and other editorial and production materials.
• Assists Producers in the live control room and helps coordinate program elements during live broadcasts.
• Operates TelePrompter for on-air hosts.
• Answers, screens and posts viewer calls for primetime programming and other productions as needed.
• Participates in daily editorial and production planning meetings.
• Creates and coordinates on-air graphics consistent with C-SPAN presentation guidelines.
• Assists with research and preparation for guest interviews and other program segments.
• Coordinates with producers, other Production Assistants and colleagues across C-SPAN on program elements and production needs.
• Helps develop and maintain the programs' social media presence and supports coordination with digital platforms as appropriate.
• Keeps current on news, politics and public affairs through traditional, online and social media.
• Assists with guest preparation and other studio or production needs as required.
• Functions in similar capacities for other C-SPAN programs as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

BACKGROUND/SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, political science, history or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in current events, politics and public affairs.
• Understanding of C-SPAN programming and editorial approach.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong research, writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to identify relevant video and other program elements.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities under daily deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a live production environment and respond to changing program needs.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with producers, hosts and colleagues across departments.
• Strong digital and social media skills.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, early mornings and weekends as required.