Newsdesk Operations Editor

Job Title: Newsdesk Operations Editor
Reports to: Senior Production Manager
Status: Full -Time/Regular/Exempt
Salary: $74,970.00

Position Overview:

The Newsdesk Operations Editor works with the editorial and production staffs to acquire external video for use by all PBS NewsHour outlets; and assign ENG crews for specific projects. The Newsdesk Operations Editor is responsible for developing and implementing strategies, systems, and process for effective, efficient, and smooth operation of the assignment desk, to ensure maximum news coverage and most efficient use of resources for the PBS NewsHour’s broadcast, field operations and all digital platforms.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate video acquisition from a variety of external sources to obtain necessary video elements for broadcast and digital platforms.
  Support video needs for daily evening broadcast and livestreams.
  • Ingest media, route video feeds, assign metadata, and work with technicians to ensure reporters and producers have access to viewing and editing material.
  • Alert production teams of rights restrictions for incoming footage.
  • Work closely with PBS NewsHour Digital on live streams of briefings, Congressional Hearings, Presidential events, and breaking news. Bringing live video to multiple social media platforms. (Twitter/X,YouTube, Instagram etc.)
• Monitor and react to news events.
  • Keep abreast of developments at the White House, Capitol Hill, Supreme Court, and key federal agencies.
  • Investigate breaking news, track developments, and communicate updates to teams.
  • Compile and distribute a daily daybook of key events to editorial staff.
  • Work with producers and correspondents in-house to make sure their video needs are met, tracks are recorded, and any additional Assignment Desk needs are covered.
• Oversee ENG crew operations and logistics planning.
  • Create schedule, crew calls, monitor overtime and meal penalties, ensure crews have adequate information about details of assignments and the equipment required for any shoot, and other necessary duties, following union requirements.
  • Track petty cash usage for field operations.
  • Hire freelance crews and maintain / update database of crew resources.
  • Work with other departments to stay ahead of future ENG needs and ensure best use of crew time/movement in the field.
• Secure credentials and access to the White House, Congress, and other federal agencies for all staff.
• Train freelancers and production assistants as needed to support Assignment Desk functions.
• Work on special projects or other duties as assigned, including filling in as Production Manager (managing edit rooms and control room during show), assist in booking remote studios/locations

Additional Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years newsroom, television, broadcast, or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with AVID’s iNews and ScheduALL is preferred.
• Experience with video production and Adobe Premier is preferred.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong computer and newsgathering skills.
• Demonstrated strong news judgement.
• Proactive nature to seek out best video and up-to-the-minute press conferences/events for air
• Ability to multi-task and maintain a calm demeanor under pressure required.
• Technical aptitude to quickly troubleshoot & solve technical issues under tight deadlines
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship building skills.
• Flexibility to work nights as required (with breaking news).
• Positive, team player attitude.
• Strategic thinker – finding out of the box solutions.
• Ability to prioritize workload.

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. Please also see our Benefits: Benefits | WETA

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously.
Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.
We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.

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