Job Description

LAist seeks an Associate Producer for its flagship local program to serve one of the largest and most diverse public media audiences in the nation. The Associate Producer for AirTalk develops signature multi-platform segments for this daily public affairs program, identifying issues, conversations and guests that connect with a uniquely Southern Californian audience. The successful candidate will help expand a dynamic and interactive live radio program to a wider audience via broadcast, social media, live events, on-demand and beyond.

Expected Compensation Range: $30.53 (CBA minimum) -$33/hr

Location: Hybrid, Pasadena, CA

Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Position Responsibility:

• Understands and executes our newsroom’s promise to practice diversity, equity and inclusion in how we assign, report, edit, produce and distribute our journalism. That includes working toward a goal of 50% Latinx sourcing.
• Pitches stories and guest ideas daily. Identifies, researches and books newsmakers and guests daily and as assigned by the Senior Producer. Prepares research material for the host. Collaborates on show segments and production duties with AirTalk production staff.
• Screens calls during live show broadcast.
• Directs and line produces the show as assigned.
• Pushes on-air conversation online, through the show’s social media channels and by repackaging show content for LAist.com, social media, and on-demand.
• Conceives of new ways to engage with both the current AirTalk audience and potential listeners on social media, thinking creatively about how to use material and audio across platforms, and target content to new communities.
• Writes promos, scripts and edits copy as necessary.
• Captures, edits, and uploads audio clips for use during show’s live broadcast
• Trains and mentors apprentice news clerks and interns
• Maintains relationships with technical staff, audio engineers and other departments.
• Fills in for Producer.
• Coordinates special projects, live events and series.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
• Two or more years’ production, editorial or related experience.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Passion for local, national, and international news.
• Solid news judgment on sources, issues, and journalistic best practices.
• Extremely strong verbal and written communication; interviewing and editing skills.
• Flexibility and composure under daily deadline pressure.
• Ability to react and adapt a live show to breaking news and developing situations.
• Proven ability to contribute to a positive, diverse, creative, high-performance culture.
• Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of assignments, both day of and in the future.
• Knowledge of effective social media messaging and platforms.
• Ability to direct and motivate news clerks and Assistant Producers.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to consistently work effectively and collaboratively with host and other staff.
• Must care passionately about excellence in all aspects of the program.
• Must have tremendous energy, ambition, and drive to make AirTalk even better.
• Must be familiar with basic functions and use of a digital audio workstation (DAW) such as Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Hindenberg, etc.
• Become and remain a member in good standing of SAG-AFTRA by the thirtieth (30th) day of employment.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with call-in, talk show or public affairs programming.
• Familiarity with Southern California, its demographics, officials and influential thinkers.
• Experience and skill in field production.
• Knowledge of Spanish.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical Demands:
  • Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Required to move about in the community.
  • Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
• Working Conditions:
  • Moderate noise level

LAist (LAist 89.3/LAist.com/LAist Studios) is diverse in race, ethnicity, language, culture, social class, national origin, religious and political belief, age, ability, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation in addition to other markers protected by law.

At LAist, we strive to create an inclusive environment where we all feel pride in who we are and what we do. We are encouraged to show up as we are – always embracing and recognizing that our diversity is what brings us together. Our fundamental commitment to diversity:

• Enriches LAist and provides an atmosphere in which all human potential is valued
• Promotes learning through interactions among people of different backgrounds and many perspectives, and
• Enables the organization to prepare all employees to promote social responsibility, equity, freedom, and productive citizenship in a global society

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage you to apply.