Function

The Anchor/Editor works under the supervision of the News Director. The Anchor/Editor specializes in delivering live radio newscasts, writing copy for radio, prioritizing stories for air, and covering breaking news. The Anchor/Editor may be asked to appear as a guest on programs or host programs or appear in public on behalf of XXXX .

Duties

Anchoring/Editing: 65%

Stays atop daily local and national news via multiple sources. Maintains an afternoon air-shift (3:00-6:30 pm M-F). Selects and rewrites stories for air. Edits all scripts for accuracy, timeliness and proper usage. Arranges newscasts, billboards and other on-air content. Presents content live on-air in an authoritative and conversational manner that connects with local listeners. Operates a board, computers, recording machines, and other equipment as necessary. May provide breaking news coverage during air shift. Has role in helping manage news publication on Web site. Helps edit spot and feature copy of reporters.

Reporting: 25%

Provides reporting or other newsroom services prior to air shift [9:30-3:00].

Proactively participates in the creative cycle of story and program origination with other reporters and supervisors.

Administration and Other: 10%

Has a role in helping determine reporting assignments. Helps maintain news script and audio archive. Attends staff meetings and is responsible for appropriate record keeping, correspondence, phone calls, supplies and equipment and other duties as assigned. May appear in public. And is expected to assist during on-air fundraisers.

Other

The Anchor/Editor adheres to deadlines and, in concert with appropriate staff, makes timely and effective decisions in situations requiring prompt attention. The Anchor/Editor works in close concert staff and under the supervision of the News Director, assisting in identifying, developing and creating content for broadcast.

Qualifications

A four-year degree or equivalent required.

Must have a minimum total of two years of on-air professional radio experience, preferably with one year in public radio. Must have one year of radio reporting experience – news gathering, writing, editing and production for short-form and long-form reports. Must have at least one year of live broadcast anchoring and/or hosting experience.

Must have strong expertise in voice delivery and writing for the ear. Will possess broad knowledge of local, regional, national and international political, legislative, economic, scientific, arts and cultural affairs. Demonstrated ability to work within a dynamic news environment. Knowledge of and adherence to high ethical standards. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Skills required also include on-line research, word processing, digital audio editing, and operation of audio equipment and light office equipment. Must have excellent memory for details, be able to meet frequent absolute deadlines under stressful conditions, and deal effectively with multiple tasks simultaneously.

Function

The Producer, News and Public Affairs works under the supervision of the News Director to produce a daily talk and interview program; and other programs as assigned.

Duties

Research and Program Production: 55%

Works with Senior Producer and Host to research and develop topics and concepts. Writes focus sheets and questions. Works with host, technical director and call screener during live programs to select calls to be taken and provide information and questions to host. Serves as program researcher and fact checker as assigned and helps insure that programs are produced in an effective, timely, and fiscally responsible manner.

Guest Contact: 35%

Identifies, recruits and schedules program guests in conjunction with the Senior Producer and Host. Pre-interviews guests and arranges their availability and preparation.

Administration: 10%

The Producer is responsible for appropriate record keeping, correspondence, phone calls, meetings, maintaining supplies and equipment and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and one year related experience. Solid grounding in journalism. Must have strong verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills. Strong computer and research skills required. Prefer a minimum of one year’s experience in research, preferably in a broadcast or print news/interview setting. A broad knowledge of current local, regional, national and political, legislative, economic, cultural and scientific affairs is desired.

Function

The Senior Editor works under the supervision of the News Director to help manage the day to day coverage of news. The Senior Editor has responsibility and understanding of news planning, reporting, editing and production, and supervises daily news assignments. The Senior Editor helps maintain ethical, editorial, artistic, and technical standards for radio news programs. Helps maintain news script and audio archives. Has role in helping manage news publication on Web site.

Duties

Planning, Scheduling, Editing: 60%

The Senior Editor works in association with the News Director to develop news story ideas, track issues and events, select reporters for coverage, schedule stories for air, and schedule time for interviewing, writing and editing.

The Senior Editor serves as a primary fact checker and script editor to insure news reports are produced in an effective, timely and responsible manner.

Reporting, Anchoring: 25%

The Senior Editor is part of the news team and contributes stories on a regular basis. The Senior Editor may be called upon to anchor newscasts, host talk programs, appear as a program guest, and produce various spots, features, special programs as assigned.

Substituting for News Director and Other Assorted Tasks: 15%

The Senior Editor performs the primary functions of the News Director during the director’s absence. These functions may include personnel management, budget management, editorial management, and other duties as assigned. The Senior Editor also maintains records, conducts correspondence and meetings, oversees upkeep of supplies and equipment, helps on station fundraising activities and other duties as assigned.

Other

The Senior Editor adheres to deadlines and, in concert with appropriate staff, makes timely and effective decisions in situations requiring prompt attention. The Senior Editor works in close concert with and under the supervision of the News Director, assisting in identifying, developing and creating programs for broadcast both locally nationally.

Qualifications

Minimum three years full-time professional, progressively responsible experience in radio news. Familiarity with public radio news programming a must. Previous public radio experience desired. Successful candidate will possess broad knowledge of local, regional, national and international political, legislative, economic, scientific, arts and cultural affairs. Demonstrated ability to work within a live program environment. Demonstrated experience in broadcast production, writing, and editing also necessary. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills. Skills required also include on-line research, word processing, and operation of light office equipment. Must have excellent memory for details, be able to meet daily deadlines, often under stressful conditions, and deal effectively with a multiplicity of tasks simultaneously. A four-year degree or equivalent required.

Function

The News Reporter works under the supervision of the News Director. The Reporter specializes in covering a news beat, produces daily news for radio newscasts, produces in-depth radio features, and produces special reports as assigned. The Reporter may be asked to anchor radio newscasts, appear as a guest on programs, or host programs. Increasing Web involvement is expected.

Duties

Reporting/Anchoring: 85%

Selects and researches topics; contacts and interviews sources; maintains notes and audio recordings; writes and edits reports; produces and voices reports for air. Produces news as assigned by News Director. Reports stories in appropriate forms for broadcast (live on-air, copy, actuality, cut & copy, voicer, wrap, feature, series, documentary, studio two-way, etc.) May be asked to anchor newscasts or host programs. Occasionally serves regional and national networks.

Planning: 10%

Maintains a beat specialty. Reads and follows major developments in specialty. Subscribes to pertinent publications and attends related events. Maintains contact lists and files for on-going continuity of coverage and accumulation of knowledge. Proactively participates in the creative cycle of story and program origination with reporters, supervisor, producers and Web staff.

Administration and Other: 5%

The Reporter attends meetings and is responsible for appropriate record keeping, correspondence, phone calls, supplies and equipment and other duties as assigned. Also will be called upon to participate in station membership campaigns and community-building events.

Other

The Reporter adheres to deadlines and, in concert with appropriate staff, makes timely and effective decisions in situations requiring prompt attention. The Reporter works in close concert with other staff and under the supervision of the XXXX News Director, assisting in identifying, developing and creating programs that support XXXX ‘s overall mission.

Qualifications

A four-year degree or equivalent required. Minimum one year full-time professional, experience in journalism. Must have expertise in news-gathering, writing, editing and radio production for short-form and long-form reports. Ideally would have familiarity with public radio news programming. Possesses broad knowledge of local and regional issues — and/or depth of knowledge in beat specialty. Demonstrates ability to work within a live broadcast environment. Displays knowledge and adherence to high ethical standards. Possesses effective communication and interpersonal skills. Skills required also include on-line research, word processing, digital editing, and operation of light office equipment. Additional preferred qualities include a track record of network story contributions, Web experience and Spanish skills. Must have excellent memory for details, be able to meet daily deadlines under pressure and deal effectively with simultaneous tasks.

1. Exploit the Aesthetic Imperatives of Radio. The message received by listeners is influenced by the inherent nature of the medium. Radio is intimate, immediate, and imaginative. We can make it local. Use these imperatives in the service of excellent story telling.
2. Embrace the Craft of Radio. Place tremendous importance on excellent writing, vocal delivery, use of sound — actuality, ambiance, music and silence – and the relationships between them. Use the freedom of the medium to expand or compress time. Offer the listener a rich and unique experience.
3. Give Journalistic Quality, Receive Trust. The public has many choices and is growing skeptical of superficial news sources, hyped promotion, and inaccurate or unqualified storytellers. Even small mistakes can damage credibility or ruin the listening experience. Consistent, professional, authentic presentation breeds familiarity and confidence in our work. Public trust in our service is a priority. That trust must never be compromised or taken for granted.
4. Discerning listeners Want Only the Best. Offer listeners the best there is to offer – the best talent, the best thinkers, the best observers. Offer beauty and intelligence. Whatever the story or program, seek to serve the listener’s highest aspirations.
5. Create Context and Connections. Provide handles on issues that citizens can grasp. Provide forums where active minds can hear themselves reflect. Explain the background, the history, the philosophy, the underpinnings of issues and people in the news. Show linkages and connections that help make sense of a fragmented world. Be on hand to spotlight discovery and progress and triumph – as much as we spotlight tragedy or failure.

By striving every day to make every story, every newscast, and every program an example of dedication to our mission and principles, we make ourselves a more valuable institution for the good of our community.

Prepared by:

Year:

A. Overview/Introduction (summary of highlights, accomplishments, challenges, purpose of plan)

B. Vision/Mission/Principles

C. Priority One: Journalism Excellence

Goal 1 — “Add Greater Depth: Add full-time reporter” (reason, process, cost)

Goal 2 — “Add Greater Depth: Form beat system” (reason, process, cost)

Goal 3 — “Improve Morning Edition News: Apply for MEGS Workshop” (reason, process, cost)

D. Priority Two: Staff Excellence

Goal 4 — “Improve multi-media skills: begin training program” (reason, process, cost)

Goal 5 — “Improve spot & feature & Web balance: examine planning & set new production goals” (reason, process, cost)

E. Priority Three: Production Excellence

Goal 6 — “Improve Field Sound & Work Speed: invest in digital recorders” (reason, process, cost)

Samples → Job Description: V.P. of News (VPR)

Here is a more generic job description:

Function

The News Director (ND) leads and manages the planning, production and presentation of news. The ND supervises the news department staff. The ND reports to (the program director / general manager) and works in cooperation with station staff to support the station mission.

The ND has responsibility and understanding of news planning, reporting, editing and production. The ND helps define and maintain ethical, editorial, artistic, and technical standards for broadcast news programs. The ND assists with news programming decisions and news operations. The ND helps manage news published to the station Web site and other service outlets.

Duties

Editorial Planning, Scheduling, Editing (40%)

The ND directs the activities of the news staff to develop story ideas, track issues and events, select reporters for coverage, schedule stories for air, and schedule time for interviewing, writing and editing.

The ND serves as a primary editor to insure news reports are produced in an effective, timely and responsible manner.

The ND acts as a proactive liaison to various internal and external constituencies to advance the station’s news programming. These may include the station programming and operations and development staffs. These may also include other appropriate radio organizations such as NPR, Marketplace, etc.

Reporting, Anchoring (25%)

The ND is part of the news team and contributes content on a regular basis. The ND may need to anchor newscasts, host talk programs, appear as a program guest, and produce various spots, features or special programs.

Administration of Personnel, Budget, Technology (25%)

The ND helps set goals and monitor scheduling and performance of news personnel. Personnel management includes recruitment and hiring. The ND manages the news department budget — including annual planning, monthly monitoring, and routine handling. The ND helps maintain equipment and information systems vital to news planning, newsgathering, news production and news presentation.

Community Relations and Support (10%)

The ND seeks opportunities to promote public contact to help ascertain public needs and bolster station success. The ND participates in station events and fundraising activities as appropriate.

Other

The ND adheres to deadlines and makes timely and effective decisions in situations requiring prompt attention. The ND is the primary content manager during times of local crisis.

Qualifications

A four-year degree in journalism — or equivalent — required. Minimum three years full-time professional experience in journalism — preferably radio news. Familiarity with public radio news programming standards and values. Successful candidate will possess broad knowledge of local and regional issues. Must have ability to work within a live program environment. Must have experience in broadcast production, news writing and editing. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills. Preferred skills include on-line research, word and spreadsheet processing, and operation of light office equipment. Must have excellent memory for details, be able to meet daily deadlines under stressful conditions, and deal effectively multiple tasks simultaneously.

Station XXXX educates, informs, entertains and empowers its audience by acquiring, producing and delivering high quality programming worthy of support.

Guiding Principles

Station XXXX values community building, lifelong learning, and providing a service accessible to all. The XXXX staff is professional and responsive. They are committed to creating engaging and appealing programs and services in ways that reflect values of civility, respect, integrity and individual responsibility.

News & Public Affairs Department Mission

• News & Public Affairs carries out the vision, mission and guiding principles of XXXX. We provide core news content, editorial leadership and ethical decision-making.
• News & Public Affairs provides programming which complements the quality of its global, national and regional news services. We believe the public receives greatest benefit from well-blended global-to-local context.
• News & Public Affairs is an independent news organization. We abide by the highest journalistic standards and principles.
• News & Public Affairs believes an informed and engaged citizenry is essential for a strong democracy. We provide the public information that is relevant, important, timely and accurate. We provide opportunities for public discourse and interaction. We are fully accountable to the public.
• News & Public Affairs is comprised of professional, well-trained, highly motivated team players with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. We are trustworthy and loyal to the news mission.

To Get at the Focus of the Story

• What is your story about?
• Who is in it?
• What will they be doing?
• Why is this interesting?
• Why is this important?

To Drive Toward Greater Substance

• What makes this story necessary? Why now?
• Where is the overt or underlying conflict?
• How will you show that?
• What led to this? Where is it headed?

To Assure Originality and Authenticity

• Has anyone else done this story? How is this different?
• Why do YOU care about this?
• Who else do we need to hear from? Who would add the missing voice?
• What don’t we know here? How can we find that?

To Meet Broader Objectives

• How can we get out in front of this story (not play catch up)?
• What can we bring to this story no one else can?
• How are we bringing diverse perspectives to the story?
• How does this fit with our community (or beat) coverage priorities?

To Stimulate Creative Thinking

• What scares you here?
• What delights us?
• What would be fresh, exciting here? Where’s the surprise?
• How is this satisfying? Challenging?
• What can this be compared to?

To Anticipate Ethical Issues

• Do you have a personal stake here?
• What “blind spots” might we have on this? Who can help us?
• Do you expect your sources to go on the record?
• How controversial is this? Who are the stakeholders?

To Make Good Use of Time and Resources

• What is a reasonable form/length for this story?
• How much time do you need? When should it air?
• What help might you need?

To Make Best Use of Our Medium

• What makes this a strong RADIO story?
• How can we maximize the aural experience for listeners?
• What visual opportunities will we get (for the web)?

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