Senior Producer - Primetime Programming

C-SPAN; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

C-SPAN in Washington, DC seeks a Senior Producer to lead editorial, production and creative direction for nightly primetime programming. The role requires shaping the daily editorial agenda, organizing rundowns, and coordinating with hosts, guests and reporters to deliver high-quality live public affairs content.

Responsible for maintaining C-SPAN's standards of fairness and balance, the Senior Producer will manage the control room, bookings and cross-platform integration while responding

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership with experience producing live or taped public affairs or political news programming.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. political landscape and major national/international issues.
• Strong editorial instincts, news judgment and ability to respond quickly to breaking developments.
• Ability to produce host-driven live programming and work with on-air hosts.
• Excellent research, writing, verbal and organizational skills.
• Strategic vision for bookings and understanding of news production.
• Ability to use primary-source video as a central element of live programming.
• Ability to manage multiple program elements and deadlines under daily schedules.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with a flexible schedule.
• Ability to collaborate with other departments to deliver successful programs.
• Familiarity with C-SPAN's editorial approach emphasizing nonpartisan presentation.

Responsibilities

• Editorial leadership: plan and manage daily editorial agenda for primetime programs with EP and hosts.
• Program and rundown development: lead meetings and develop segment structures and interview scripts.
• Production management: oversee scripting, video/graphics, bookings and control room operations.
• Video and C-SPAN content: identify and incorporate significant moments from coverage.
• Guest and interview strategy: secure lawmakers, officials, journalists and experts for context.
• Viewer participation: develop opportunities for viewer calls, texts and social media.
• Cross-platform integration: collaborate with digital/marketing to extend reach.
• Editorial standards: uphold fairness, accuracy and balance.

Skills

Editorial leadership

News judgment

Control room skills

Live programming

Interview planning

Viewer participation

Cross-platform collaboration

Editorial standards

Host collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, political science or related field

Job description

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.