Job Description:
Job Title: Production Assistant, Online
Reports to: Senior Coordinator, Digital Video
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Salary: $25.5 hourly
Position Overview:
The Production Assistant (PA), Online is responsible for the management and publishing of all media for the nightly update to the PBS News Hour’s website. In addition, the PA will produce livestream event coverage and is responsible for a diverse range of writing, reporting, research, editing and producing services to support the work of the PBS News. The PA exercises independent judgment and collaborates with the Night Editor, Managing Editor, Senior Video Coordinator, Senior Producer(s), Editor(s), and other members of the PBS NewsHour organization, in the coordination of the many production elements involved with publishing a daily news online.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Encode and edit segments of the PBS NewsHour broadcast for online use in Premiere and other editing programs.
- Post video content and metadata to the PBS video player, PBS News Hour website, Washington Week website, YouTube, and other platforms.
- Digitize and post audio podcasts of News Hour and Washington Week broadcasts.
- Live stream breaking news video on YouTube, Facebook, X, and other platforms. Post-produce raw news video as needed.
- Pitch and produce standalone videos within News Hour digital video series.
- Coordinate with Broadcast and digital production teams to correct errors as needed.
- Edit extended interviews and other digital video projects as assigned.
- Assist in covering breaking news and special news events on digital platforms.
- Perform tasks related to special projects and other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies:
- College degree in journalism, communications, or a related discipline.
- Introductory experience with broadcast and online journalism, including writing, video editing and shooting preferred.
- Nonlinear editing experience required.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced newsroom and to adjust smoothly to changing assignments under deadline pressure.
- Excellent organizational, project planning and time management skills.
- Demonstrated interest in daily journalism and/or longer-form journalism and a basic working knowledge of and interest in current events, major governmental and political institutions, history, and foreign affairs.
Additional Skills and Qualifications:
- Camera skills and audio-visual technology proficiency are a big plus. Web production and video encoding skills desired.
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Multimedia production skills and knowledge of multiple media formats and platforms.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated attention to detail. Able to handle multiple tasks and history of reliable follow through.
- Ability to work closely with colleagues in a collaborative manner during high stress situations.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to interact with a wide variety of people using diplomacy, tact, and discretion.
- Demonstrated understanding of computer technology and interest in experimenting with emerging software.
- Availability to work a non-standard or extended work schedule at times with little or no notice.
LOCATION
WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Benefits | WETA
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships. WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.