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News Assistant

WETA, Arlington, VA USA

Duration: Full Time


Title: News Assistant

Status: Full Time-Non-Exempt

Reports to: Broadcast Producer

JOB OBJECTIVE: The News Assistant program is designed to give recent college graduates practical experience in a broadcast news setting. During their tenure, News Assistants are exposed to all aspects of producing a nightly television news program. Over the course of the program, each News Assistant may have the opportunity to rotate through any, or all of the following areas:

  • Field shoots
  • Research
  • Control room production.
  • Online

  • ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
    • Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.
    • Researching stories and potential interview subjects.
    • Assisting producers on field shoots.
    • Completing general duties associated with the news desk.
    • Logging video.
    • Contributing to digital content and online post-production.
  • SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

    • Excellent writing and research skills.
    • Demonstrated interest in journalism and/or television production.
    • Professional phone manner and solid administrative skills.
    • Strong work ethic and effective time management.
    • Knowledge of PBS NewsHour‘s journalistic style.

    EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

    • Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • Bachelor’s degree.
    • Prior experience in a broadcast news setting preferred.
    • Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

    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.

    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.

    About WETA

    ABOUT THE PBS NEWSHOUR

    With roots in public service journalism beginning in 1973, the PBS NewsHour today is on a mission to bring balanced, in-depth news coverage to all. Innovative and fast-paced, life at the NewsHour is focused on collaboration, trust, and above all, enterprising important, considered news. NewsHour is unique in that the team is small and tight-knit, and must accomplish what no other daily news organization does: be the gold-standard of reporting for a nightly, hour-long broadcast, and to crucial digital platforms.

    You’ll enjoy working at the NewsHour if you enjoy contributing to meaningful reporting, working on small teams in which your ideas are not just valued but vital, and pushing yourself to grow your skills every day.

    WETA is an equal employment opportunity employer. WETA does not discriminate against employees or applications on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

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