Production Assistant
Job Location: Chicago, IL
About the role:
WBBM Newsradio is looking for an organized, technically skilled Production Assistant to support the daily programming, production and multiplatform content of WBBM Newsradio and its local news programming.
This position edits and prepares audio, assists with program planning and schedules, coordinates guests and client production, and maintains the materials and records needed for reliable broadcast and digital distribution. The coordinator will help turn the station’s reporting and programming into compelling content for radio, podcasts, social media and other digital platforms.
Reporting to newsroom leadership, the coordinator works closely with anchors, reporters, sales executives, editors, guests, community organizations and other colleagues across the station.
Key Responsibilities
- Edit and prepare interviews, promotional spots, commercials, features, podcasts and other audio for broadcast and digital distribution.
- Assist management and newsroom with program preparation, scheduling, interview materials and other production needs.
- Record audio in the studio and in the field at interviews, community events, news conferences and other assignments, following established production procedures.
- Coordinate guests, recording sessions, schedules and other production logistics.
- Prepare program elements, including metadata, for scheduled broadcast and digital distribution via Wide Orbit and newsroom systems.
- Create basic video, podcast and social-media versions of existing WBBM Newsradio content.
- Help identify opportunities to repurpose strong reporting and programming across multiple platforms.
- Maintain accurate production calendars, contact records and organized media files.
- Communicate with newsroom staff, other internal teams and external partners to keep assignments on schedule.
- Assist with breaking news and major coverage when needed, including gathering, editing and preparing audio and other content for rapid distribution.
- Perform production and administrative duties that support WBBM Newsradio’s daily operations.
- Weekly work schedule is expected to be Monday – Friday but can include weekends and holidays when necessary.
Qualifications
- Professional experience in radio, audio, podcast, broadcast production, journalism, digital media or a comparable environment.
- Strong audio editing and production skills using professional broadcast or digital-audio software.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to manage multiple schedules, files and deadlines.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with anchors, reporters, producers, guests and community partners.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced newsroom environment and respond appropriately to changing priorities and breaking news.
- Ability to follow established editorial direction, production procedures, technical standards and approval processes.
- Genuine interest in Chicago news, culture, business, sports and the communities we serve.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in local news, commercial radio, public media, broadcast journalism or digital media.
- Experience coordinating live broadcasts, guests, recording sessions or remote productions.
- Video editing, digital publishing, podcast production or social-media experience.
- Familiarity with broadcast audio standards, newsroom systems, automation systems and digital asset management.
- Experience working in a deadline-driven newsroom.
- Experience supporting or training interns, volunteers or emerging journalists and producers.
Compensation & Benefits
The compensation for this full-time position is $42,500, commensurate with experience.
Benefits include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, disability and life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after the applicable eligibility period.
