News Producer Job Description

A female news producer holding a clipboard and looking at the camera in front of her

News Producers work closely with anchors, directors and content managers as they oversee newsgathering, coverage and all stages of news distribution across different platforms.

They sift through stories and pieces from team members and collaborate with the director to decide what makes it to the news.

By: Jericka Orellano

November 29, 2023

This role requires excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the production process, editorial standards and media ethics.

Write your next job ad with our free News Producer Job Description Template available for download at the end of this article.

News Producer Job Overview

We at [Company Name] are looking for a News Producer specifically for our [Program Name] program.

You’ll be responsible for developing and organizing newscasts, writing and story development, deadline management, technical oversight and editorial judgment.

Candidates should have at least [Number] years of news-producing experience, strong organizational and multitasking abilities and a passion for the news.

Salary: $48,000–$55,000/year

Schedule: Full-time, office-based

News Producer Duties & Responsibilities

Identify and research relevant news stories for broadcast, ensuring a mix of local and national coverage
Develop clear and concise news scripts that align with the program’s tone, providing anchors with well-structured material for on-air delivery
Determine the order and duration of news segments, optimizing the flow of the newscast for viewer engagement
Work closely with reporters, anchors and production staff to coordinate the seamless execution of each newscast
Meet tight deadlines by efficiently gathering information from reporters and making real-time decisions during breaking news situations
Collaborate with technical teams to ensure the smooth incorporation of graphics, videos and live feeds into the broadcast
Exercise sound judgment in story selection, prioritization and presentation, maintaining a commitment to accuracy and journalistic integrity
Thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapting to changing news priorities and making informed decisions under pressure
Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, overseeing various aspects of production to ensure a polished and professional on-air presentation
Foster effective communication within the newsroom, ensuring all team members are informed and aligned on the day’s news agenda
Utilize newsroom software, teleprompters and other broadcast equipment proficiently to enhance the overall quality of the broadcast
Incorporate constructive feedback from team members to continuously improve the overall quality and impact of the newscasts
Stay attuned to audience feedback and ratings, making adjustments to content and presentation to enhance viewer satisfaction and engagement

News Producer Experience Requirements & Skills

Proven track record as a News Producer or in a similar role within a newsroom setting with at least [Number] years of experience
Practical knowledge of newsroom software, teleprompters and other essential broadcast equipment
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and concise news scripts
Editorial judgment and the ability to make informed decisions on story selection, prioritization and presentation
A commitment to accuracy, fairness and journalistic integrity
Adaptability to changing news priorities and the capacity to thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment
Editorial judgment and the ability to make informed decisions on story selection, prioritization and presentation
Flexibility to accommodate extended work hours and be on-call as necessary to address time-sensitive news developments

News Producer Education & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Media, Journalism or a related program, with a preference for candidates holding a master’s degree
Certifications in broadcast management, journalism, writing or a related program are an advantage