Free Speech Radio News, a half-hour daily news show, is searching for a qualified candidate to fill the Assistant Technical Producer position. This position is 20-25 hours per week, 10:00am – 3:00pm Monday through Friday. The position is located at KPFA 94.1 FM in Berkeley, California.
The Assistant Technical Producer is responsible for assembling the final newscast. This is a key role in the post-production process and the Assistant Technical Producer’s skill determines the quality and delivery of the daily newscast. This position works independently, and closely with the Producers, Headlines Editors, Host and Reporters to meet broadcast quality requirements. S/he has full and complete understanding of high-end radio production, and also has demonstrable knowledge of digital audio editing systems audio recording equipment and website CMS. The successful candidate must be able to calmly and effectively problem solve under extreme deadline pressure.
Responsibilities:
1-Assures professional quality productions and smooth execution of projects by planning, organizing, instructing reporters and staff, implementing proper audio techniques, coordinating and scheduling pre-production, production and post-production with appropriate personnel.
2-Downloads incoming audio from FSRN’s server Monitors audio quality and communicates with producers and reporters about sound that does not meet broadcast quality standards.
3-Continually works with reporters, improving their audio recording techniques. and also Suggests equipment upgrades, when necessary. Also, troubleshoots various audio-editing, computer and ftp setups over the phone and/or via email.
4-Assembles/edits incoming news segments. Records phoners, 2-ways and voice-overs when needed. Also, actively listens to content, and reports any inaccuracies to the producers and reporters for corrections.
5-Works efficiently and with speed and is capable of recording/assembling multiple segments daily and under time constraints. Maintains and adheres to predetermined production constraints, deadlines and quality standards. Assists the technical producer in timing out the daily newscast.
6-Communicates with Web Host and others, as needed, when web stream problems occur, and regarding other technical issues related to FSRN’s website and audio upload page.
7-Assembles the daily newscast and prepares it for the 1 pm PST national broadcast. Monitors the webstream and the 1:45, 2:30, 3:00 and 3:30 pm PST Satellite feeds.
8-Communicates with producers via phone, email or online chat.
on the status of incoming news segments and the status of the show.
9-Updates www.fsrn.org daily, using ftp and Drupal content management system. Uploads the newscast audio and leads text for affiliate stations and online listeners. Troubleshoots any technical issue via phone or email.
10-Maintains a back-up archive of all finished FSRN newscasts on an external hard drive, clears out old files.
11-May be called upon to recruit and train possible fill-in tech producers. May be involved in write-ups or re-writes of guidelines for recording, mixing, uploading and other technical material.
Qualifications for the position include:
1-Ability to multi-task, organize and meet scheduled deadlines in a fast paced news environment. Capable of prioritizing work assignments in a deadline and detail oriented environment.
2-Excellent communication skills and works well in a team.
3-Experience with studio quality digital audio editing systems, especially
Soundforge. Proficiency in Drupal (CMS), and WordPress, mysql, wikis, ssh, and other web tools needed to expand FSRN’s online presence, manage data, and provide encryption.
4-Ability to operate audio equipment used for productions. Solid knowledge of various portable audio recording devices to assist reporters with troubleshooting in the field.
5-Ability to work under extreme deadline pressure on a daily basis. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work under pressure to complete assignments under time and budget constraints and otherwise adverse conditions encountered during routine productions.
6-Ability to frequently use repetitive motions of the wrist, hands and/or fingers. Must be able to maintain a fast physical pace during shift hours.
7-Commitment to the FSRN newscast and progressive news. Also, the desire to help govern the diverse worker run collective consisting of 7 staff members and about 200 reporters. Must maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that works well with co-workers, reporters, affiliates and listeners.
8- Strong computer skills and the ability to learn and master new hardware and software quickly.
9-Strong command of English language and ability to proofread scripts for grammatical errors.
Desired qualities:
*2 years daily deadline broadcast newsroom production experience.
*Knowledge of languages other than English.
Those interested in applying for the position should submit the following:
1) A cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position that will highlight their qualifications.
2) A resume.
3) A technical critique of a recent FSRN newscast (no more than 700 words) and a description of how FSRN could improve its website (no more than 700 words).
People of color, queer people, transgendered people, women, differently-abled people, working class people and others traditionally excluded from newsrooms are especially encouraged to apply.
We are unable to pay any moving expenses that may accrue upon acceptance of this position.
There will be a rolling deadline for applications with the first review of applications beginning July 1, 2011. There will be an audio editing test at our Berkeley location as part of the interview and selection process. Please send a resume, cover letter and references to jobs@fsrn.org.
