Researcher/Producer

Middle East Broadcasting Networks; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is seeking a rigorous Researcher/Producer (contract) to support two historical/cultural podcast series. The role demands university-level archival research, meticulous fact-checking, and ability to translate findings into compelling scripts.

The ideal candidate will identify expert interview subjects, organize source notes, and coordinate interviews while producing draft scripts and supporting multimedia content, all under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years in journalism, research, or related fields.
• Knowledge of extremism, radicalization, hate movements, disinformation.
• Strong writing, editing, and fact-checking skills.
• Experience with open-source intelligence and digital investigations preferred.
• Ability to assess credibility and identify misinformation.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth historical research using archives, primary sources, scholarly publications, and other reliable materials.
• Verify facts, quotations, dates, names, historical claims, assess source credibility, and ensure factual accuracy in all published materials.
• Identify compelling stories, characters, and details that can strengthen each episode.
• Produce accurate, well-sourced multimedia content, including articles, videos, explainers, backgrounders, research briefs, and investigative reports.
• Organize research clearly and maintain accurate source notes and citations.
• Prepare research summaries, timelines, background memos, and briefing materials.
• Produce rough first drafts of scripts based on the research.
• Identify scholars, experts, witnesses, and other relevant interview subjects.
• Arrange and coordinate interviews, including scheduling and follow-up.
• Prepare interview questions and background materials.
• Assist with production planning and keep projects moving on schedule.
• Contribute to newsletters, website, social content, and other platform initiatives as needed.
• Ensure all reporting and research adhere to journalistic ethics, legal standards, and organizational safety protocols.

Skills

Arabic fluency

English fluency

Research skills

Fact-checking

Open-source intelligence

Interview coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

OSINT tools

Job description

Job Announcement

Researcher/Producer (Contract)

About MBN

Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is the premier Arabic-first media organization that connects the Middle East and the United States. The company is in the midst of an exciting digital transformation and looking for energetic and talented people who care about journalism and the Middle East to join us on this journey.

We provide original and indispensable reporting, perspectives and commentary on the Middle East and how America's engagement impacts the region. MBN delivers content in both Arabic and English across multiple platforms, in formats including written articles, short-form video, newsletters, podcasts, data trackers and social media.

Our target audience is decision-makers, influencers, and residents of key capitals across the Middle East, as well as the next generation of globally engaged, digitally connected youth.

About The Role

MBN is seeking a rigorous and resourceful Producer/Researcher to support two new historical/cultural podcast series. The ideal candidate has substantial experience conducting university-level historical research, including work with archives, primary sources, and scholarly materials. This person must be meticulous about fact-finding and factchecking, able to turn research into a strong first draft of a script, and skilled at identifying relevant experts, arranging interviews, and managing follow-up. Excellent writing, organization, judgment, and attention to detail are essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:

• Conduct in-depth historical research using archives, primary sources, scholarly publications, and other reliable materials.
• Verify facts, quotations, dates, names, historical claims, assess source credibility, and ensure factual accuracy in all published materials.
• Identify compelling stories, characters, and details that can strengthen each episode.
• Produce accurate, well-sourced multimedia content, including articles, videos, explainers, backgrounders, research briefs, and investigative reports.
• Organize research clearly and maintain accurate source notes and citations.
• Prepare research summaries, timelines, background memos, and briefing materials.
• Produce rough first drafts of scripts based on the research.
• Identify scholars, experts, witnesses, and other relevant interview subjects.
• Arrange and coordinate interviews, including scheduling and follow-up.
• Prepare interview questions and background materials.
• Assist with production planning and keep projects moving on schedule.
• Contribute to MBN newsletters, website, social content, and other platform initiatives as needed.
• Ensure all reporting and research adhere to journalistic ethics, legal standards, and organizational safety protocols.

Other Duties:

Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Candidates are required to have:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in journalism, research, investigative reporting, digital media, intelligence analysis, or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of extremism, radicalization, hate movements, disinformation, online communities, and related issues.
• Strong research, writing, editing, and fact-checking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and accurately.
• Experience conducting open-source intelligence and digital investigations using public records, social media platforms, databases, and online research tools is preferred.
• Ability to assess source credibility, verify information, and identify misinformation or manipulated content.
• Strong understanding of journalistic ethics, legal considerations, and responsible reporting practices related to sensitive topics.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.