WETA

Producer, Politics

ARLINGTON, VAPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from WETA

  • Job overview

    The Producer, Politics at WETA is responsible for producing political video segments for broadcast and digital platforms, contributing to the PBS NewsHour politics unit.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves pitching story ideas, managing and producing political segments, researching and arranging interviews, writing scripts, coordinating shoots, overseeing editing, supporting online content production, mentoring junior staff, and handling special projects.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers a salary of $74,970; additional benefits are not specified but WETA provides standard employee benefits.

  • Experience and skills

    Requires a college degree in journalism, political science, or related field, with at least four years of producing original news content, preferably in national politics, strong written communication, organizational skills, and flexibility for non-standard work hours.

  • Work environment and culture

    WETA values diversity, inclusion, and employee flexibility, operating in a fast-paced newsroom environment with a commitment to equal employment opportunity.

  • Company information

    WETA is a public media organization producing national and local content, including PBS NewsHour and documentaries, serving diverse audiences through multiple platforms and community initiatives.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is based in Arlington, VA, with options for onsite or hybrid work depending on the role.

  • Unique job features

    The role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile political coverage from key locations like Capitol Hill, the White House, and the Supreme Court, contributing to nationally recognized programming.

Company overview

WETA is a prominent public broadcasting station based in Arlington, Virginia, known for producing high-quality television and radio content. They generate revenue through a combination of federal funding, viewer donations, and corporate sponsorships. Established in 1961, WETA has a rich history of creating acclaimed programs like the PBS NewsHour and Ken Burns documentaries. Their commitment to educational and cultural programming has made them a cornerstone of public media in the United States.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your experience producing political content, especially for national news outlets, emphasizing your ability to manage fast-paced, deadline-driven environments like those at WETA's PBS NewsHour politics unit.

  • Emphasize skills such as pitching story ideas, coordinating shoots, writing scripts, editing video segments, and mentoring junior staff, as these are key responsibilities in the job description.

  • Apply through multiple channels including WETA's official corporate careers page, LinkedIn, and other job boards where WETA posts, to maximize your application visibility.

  • Connect with current producers or team members in WETA’s politics or news division on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent PBS NewsHour political coverage or asking about their experiences covering Capitol Hill or campaign trails.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'political segments,' 'broadcast tape scripts,' 'field producing,' 'video editing,' 'mentoring,' and 'deadline pressure' to ensure it passes automated screenings.

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