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Talk Show Producer/Director

Wisconsin Public Radio

POSITION SUMMARY

Manage day-to-day production of live radio talk show while meeting daily deadlines. Direct live broadcast. Serve as the on-air producer for talk programs as assigned. Collaborate with talk hosts and producers, communicate with guests, and develop fresh topic and guest ideas.  Also, create talk show-related content on WPR.org and related social media websites. Assist with production of other programs as assigned. This position is shared between The Kathleen Dunn Show (80%) and afternoon drive (20%).  This position reports to the Ideas Network Director.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. During the live broadcast direct the host and control the flow and on-air sound of the program including caller sequencing and pre-recorded audio elements.
2. Keep current on issues of importance and interest to listeners and attend scheduled editorial meetings to propose call-in show topics and guests.
3. In consultation with program host and program producers, locate, pre-interview and schedule guests to provide balanced coverage and a variety of perspectives.
4. Manage and integrate social media (e.g. Facebook and Twitter) into talk programming on- and off-air.
5. Provide program host with background material, suggested introductions and questions.
6. As assigned, serve as on-air producer for daily call-in programming as assigned, including screening listener phone calls, emails, and social media interactions.
7. Locate, record and edit audio for use during live broadcast or pre-recorded promos.
8. Communicate show ideas with other producers and hosts via email and shared electronic calendar.
9. Produce and distribute appropriate program information documents internally and program notes for external audiences.
10. Create and update website content and features for the Ideas Network on Facebook, Twitter, and WPR.org.
11. Create, organize, and maintain program information files, guest rolodex (using Filemaker), and resource information.
12. Write, record, edit, and distribute on-air promos each day.
13. Fill in for other producing staff as assigned.
14. Uphold and maintain Ethical Guidelines for Editorial Staff  for Wisconsin Public Radio
15. Demonstrate respect for others in all workplace relationships and interactions.
16. Effectively engage diverse perspectives and experiences in work product and in organizational interactions, including communication and decision-making.
17. Participate in promotional appearances and on-air fundraisers.
18. Other duties as assigned by Ideas Network Director and/or Ideas Network Assistant Director.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work independently to complete assignments with little or no assistance on individual tasks.
• Know, practice, and maintain the highest standards of journalistic ethics and excellence.
• Direct host during live broadcast, monitor program for flow, organize audience participation, suggest questions, and follow program clock.
• Manage multi-line phone system, e-mail, and social media websites simultaneously during live broadcast.
• Produce cogent background material, audio clips, and other material for host in a timely fashion.
• Maintain composure and professionalism when unexpected barriers arise before or during live program, such as guest cancellation.
• Update websites (including social media sites) with fresh and compelling content on a daily basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Experience in live call-in talk show production (including locating, pre-screening, and scheduling guests), or directly transferrable experience. 2 years at the intermediate level, and 5 years at the Senior Level.
3. Demonstrated ability to work and problem solve quickly and independently.
4. Ability to multitask, including using multiple computer systems at once, without sacrificing quality of work.
5. Ability to work independently to complete required assignments, with little or no assistance, under strict deadline pressure.
6. Demonstrated success in supporting diversity and inclusion as assets organizationally and programmatically.
7. Strict attention to detail.
8. Practice critical thinking in order to discern the best interview questions for the host and best callers to put on the air.
9. Know, practice, and maintain the highest standards of journalistic ethics and excellence.
10. Familiarity with and practical knowledge of social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter.
11. Prior experience editing audio of broadcast quality.
12. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; accurate spelling and proper use of grammar is required.
13. Ability to write compelling content for radio, including show introduction, host questions, brief on-air show promotions, and program descriptions for an online audience.
14. Resiliency and good judgment when faced with the unexpected.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous Public Radio experience
• Previous experience call screening for live radio
• Previous experience directing live broadcasts
• Knowledge of, and experience with, Sound Forge, Adobe Audition, and/or other professional audio editing software
• Knowledge of Wisconsin news, politics, and culture
• Board operation experience
• Familiarity with Audio Vault
• Experience with web publications and/or multimedia content

SALARY:   The minimum for this position is $38,000. Actual pay will be proportional to qualifications, experience and official title. UW-Extension offers a comprehensive fringe benefits package.   

HOW TO APPLY:   For best consideration, apply by 5pm on 3/8/13 online through our applicant portal https://www.careers.wisconsin.edu.  Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.  Please include: 

1. A detailed resume
2. UW-Extension application form, downloadable at http://www.wpr.org/about/jobs/applfrm-bami.doc, with applicant survey form downloadable at http://www.wpr.org/about/jobs/surveydata.doc. 
3. A 1-2 page narrative detailing how your experience relates to the qualifications and duties of this position.  Be certain to address each major job duty.
4. List of three professional references including email contact information.
5. Recruitment source where you learned of this opening.
6. Salary History.

Send application materials to:

Email
betsy.nelson@wpr.org

Phone
608-262-5221