Assistant Producer, Pop Culture Happy Hour (Temporary)

OVERVIEW

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Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

INTRO TO POSITION

Pop Culture Happy Hour is the number one TV/film podcast, according to the Podtrac ranker, and one of the most beloved arts and entertainment podcasts. Its cast of panelists get together to review the latest in television, film, and more — in a lively, engaging format — all for a growing and loyal audience. The podcast is published four days a week.

We’re looking for a collaborative, team player, who enjoys fast-paced, daily journalism and brings intellectual curiosity and rigor to pop culture. The Assistant Producer will work on all aspects of show production; supporting the hosts as well as the full production team. The Assistant Producer should be creative and versatile with passions for both audio production and pop culture. The Assistant Producer will be required to occasionally work weekends and evenings for awards shows, breaking news, and film screenings,  and must have a willingness to be flexible about scheduling. 

This is a union-represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA. 

This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff are defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR's content, including events.    

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Edit and mix audio for podcast and occasionally radio, from raw conversation to fully produced mix,  including occasional quick turnaround episodes in one work day.
• Prepare scripts and other research material for hosts and showrunner as required.
• Pre-interview and book guests.
• Conduct research and fact-check the podcast.
• Gather tape, assist with studio booking, screening booking, production and mixing.
• Stay current with major arts and entertainment stories.
• Be an active participant in pitch meetings, consistently engaged with news of the day.
• Assist hosts as needed in preparation for the podcast.
• Assist other team members with interview prep and logistics.
• Assist other team members with audio production.
• Assist with web production of stories as necessary.
• Assist with social media as necessary.
• Assist in maintaining strategic and productive engagement with audiences across social/digital platforms with NPR digital content teams.
• Actively participate in ensuring that all materials aired meet NPR program standards and practices, including standards of fairness, objectivity, and balance.

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two to four years of audio production experience on broadcast digital audio workstations (i.e. MTE/DAVID, Dalet, ProTools or similar).
• Some experience working with daily production deadlines is desired.
• Experience with journalism-related research and demonstrated ability to collect, organize and disseminate information.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
• Ability to work independently but also work well as part of a team.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Must live within commuting distance of a city that holds press screenings of films: NYC, DC, SF, LA, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and interest in arts and entertainment news, and an affinity for pop culture, television and film.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT