News Assistant, Morning Edition

Job Description

OVERVIEW

NPR is looking for an entry-level journalist to serve as a News Assistant on Morning Edition. This role assists in the booking and production of Morning Edition and Up First. The New Assistant must be able to work under tight deadlines and have strong research, writing and communication skills. The desired candidate also has strong news judgement and developing production skills. This position rotates through a variety of shifts, including overnight, swing and dayside.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Stays current with major news stories as well as topics that could be of interest to a national audience. Pitches story ideas and guests for news and features and is prepared to assist in booking and executing pitches across platforms.
• Builds and hones foundational production skills of cutting host interviews and mixing reporter pieces. This includes under tight deadlines.
• Works with Morning Edition staff to build editorial skills pre-interviewing guests, drafting host interviews/copy, gathering prep material for hosts.
• Drafts program copy including host intros, opens, returns, and tape and copy elements with editorial assistance.
• Syncs live interviews and gathers audio.
• Performs other duties as assigned including producing the Up First podcast and generating social media content.
• Ability and willingness to regularly work a variety of shifts, including Swing and Overnight.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• Ability to edit audio on digital editing systems
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts, including Swing, overnight or dayshifts
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate efficiently with hosts and Morning Edition colleagues at NPR West in Culver City, CA and other locations
• Understanding of journalistic ethics. Experience maintaining high journalistic standards under deadline pressure, including standards of objectivity, balance and fairness
• Ability to collect, organize and disseminate information effectively, especially across shifts through standard show workflow and protocols
• Demonstrated writing ability with an emphasis on clarity, economy of phrase and a strong grasp of the rules of grammar
• Demonstrated ability to work quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure. Ability to handle more than one assignment at a time; ability to prioritize, anticipate and communicate effectively
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system
• Ability and willingness to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement will apply should you choose not to accept a transfer

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Experience in radio broadcasting.
• Fluency in multiple languages
• Experience producing in and operating digital audio self-op facilities
• Digital media skills, including proficiency in social media as a tool for topic research, news-gathering and audience interaction

This position is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA. The minimum salary for this position is $50,000.00

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-dyokj0-3-149-251-155-42 in your application.