Primetime Programming - Senior Producer

C-SPAN; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

C-SPAN in Washington, DC is seeking a Senior Producer to lead the editorial, production and creative direction of our nightly primetime programming. You will shape the rundown, coordinate with hosts and guests, and ensure fair, in-depth coverage of the day’s major political and public affairs events across live TV and digital platforms.

This role requires strong leadership, the ability to respond quickly to breaking news, and a commitment to nonpartisan presentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, political science or a related field preferred.
• Six years' experience producing live or taped public affairs or political news programming.
• Strong editorial judgment and leadership.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. political landscape and major issues.
• Ability to produce host-driven live programming and work with on-air hosts.
• Excellent research, writing, verbal and organizational skills.
• Nonpartisan journalism values and respectful discourse.
• Experience identifying and using primary-source video.

Responsibilities

• Editorial Leadership: Plans, creates and manages the daily editorial agenda for the primetime programs in collaboration with the Executive Producer and Hosts.
• Program and Rundown Development: Leads daily production meetings and oversees rundown development, interview questions and scripts.
• Production Management: Oversees all aspects of nightly show production and supervises the production team.
• Video and C-SPAN Content: Identifies and incorporates significant moments from C-SPAN's coverage.
• Guest and Interview Strategy: Works with the guest booker to identify and secure guests who provide context and perspective.
• Viewer Participation: Develop and execute viewer participation opportunities, including calls, texts and social media.
• Cross-Platform Integration: Collaborates with digital and marketing teams to extend reach across platforms.
• Editorial Standards: Upholds C-SPAN's editorial standards of fairness, accuracy and balance.

Skills

Editorial leadership

News judgment

Control room skills

Host-driven programming

Live programming

Interview strategy

Deadline management

Research and writing

Video sourcing/primary-source video

Cross-team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or political science

Job description

GENERAL FUNCTION

In collaboration with the Executive Producer of C-SPAN daily programming, The Senior Producer leads the editorial, production and creative direction of C-SPAN's live, nightly primetime programming.

C-SPAN primetime programming will cover the day's major political and public affairs events, featuring C-SPAN video, guest interviews and additional context from reporters and correspondents and will incorporate elements of C-SPAN's Washington Journal format in primetime, including guest interviews, viewer calls and discussion and video from the day's news.

The Senior Producer will be responsible for applying strong editorial judgment and demonstrated leadership to execute the editorial content and production elements of C-SPAN's daily prime time programs and other high-profile live C-SPAN public affairs programming.

Responsible for applying strong editorial judgement and demonstrated leadership to execute the editorial content including all production elements for CeaseFire and other high-profile live C-SPAN public affairs programming.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Editorial Leadership: Plans, creates and manages the daily editorial agenda for the primetime programs in collaboration with the Executive Producer and Hosts. Identifies the day's most significant political and public affairs events, key moments from C-SPAN's coverage, guests and correspondents who can provide additional context and perspective.
• Program and Rundown Development: Leads daily production meetings and oversees development of rundowns, segment structures, interview questions scripts and other editorial elements for both programs. Works closely with the Hosts on the structure, pacing and flow of each program.
• Production Management: Oversees all aspects of nightly show production and supervises the production team responsible for scripting, selection and creation of video and graphic elements, bookings and control room operations. Responds quickly to breaking news and changing editorial priorities. Ensures both programs run smoothly and adhere to C-SPAN's production and editorial standards.
• Video and C-SPAN Content: Identifies and effectively incorporates significant moments from C-SPAN's coverage throughout the day, including extended video segments when appropriate.
• Guest and Interview Strategy: Works with the guest booker and program teams to identify and secure lawmakers, Administration officials, journalists, policy experts and other appropriate guests who can provide context and perspective on the day's events.
• Viewer Participation: Helps develop and execute meaningful opportunities for viewer participation, including calls, texts and social media, particularly within the Washington Journal-style primetime program.
• Cross-Platform Integration: Collaborates with digital and marketing teams to extend the reach of the programs across C-SPAN's platforms, including web and social media.
• Editorial Standards: Upholds C-SPAN's editorial standards of fairness, accuracy and balance.

BACKGROUND/SKILLS

• Demonstrated leadership, editorial, writing and control room skills with six years' experience producing live or taped public affairs or political news programming.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. political landscape, legislative process and major national and international issues affecting government and public affairs.
• Strong editorial instincts, news judgment and ability to respond quickly to breaking developments.
• Demonstrated ability to produce compelling, host-driven live programming and work effectively with on-air hosts.
• Excellent research, writing, verbal and organizational skills.
• Strong strategic vision for bookings and a thorough understanding of news production.
• Ability to identify and effectively use primary-source video as a central element of live programming.
• Ability to manage multiple program elements and priorities under daily deadlines.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines under a flexible schedule.
• Ability to interact effectively with team members and other departments to facilitate successful programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of C-SPAN's editorial approach, including its emphasis on primary-source video, substantive interviews, viewer participation and nonpartisan presentation.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, political science or a related field preferred.
• Committed to the values of nonpartisan journalism and respectful discourse.