Audio Production Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

Do you have a passion for news and public service journalism? We’re seeking an on-call producer with strong news judgment and the ability to act quickly across platforms to play a key role in shaping the daily news in one of Southern California’s leading newsrooms.

This on-call associate producer will work as needed with LAist’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered newscasts as well as with its flagship daily public affairs show AirTalk. This person will work with hosts and other producers to create and edit news content, uphold editorial and production standards, write, edit and cut news copy and audio assets for use in LAist’s newscasts, research, book, write and cut newsmaker interviews and respond effectively to breaking news.

You will work with a cross-platform team to ensure our daily news products are useful, timely and conversational. Our newsroom is committed to distinctive, original reporting which makes having a track record of finding original angles on the news a requirement.

*This is an On-Call position.

Expected Compensation Range: $35.11 - $36.00 per hour. The exact salary rate is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Location: On-Site, 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 production staff. 
• Screens calls during live AirTalk 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 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 news stories, scripts, promos and edits copy as necessary.
• Captures, edits, and uploads audio clips for use during broadcast
• Trains and mentors apprentice news clerks and interns
• Maintains relationships with technical staff, audio engineers and other departments. 
• Fills in for Producer and Producer II.
• 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.
• Ability to write accurate, compelling news copy quickly
• 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.
• 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 LAist programming 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.
• Experience in daily newscast production
• Experience using news production and broadcast software such as ENPS, NewsBoss, Burli etc.
• 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.