Newscast Director

Position Summary

A highly motivated Newscast Director to lead the Waterman News team. This full-time position requires a detail-oriented leader with excellent communication skills, someone with a strong technical television news background who functions well under the pressures of a live news environment. Must be goal drive to produce high-quality newscasts.  This individual must be willing to work flexible hours including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Must be available during breaking news situations as an essential employee.  

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with producers and other station staff to prepare and direct or assist with directing all live and pre-recorded shows. Shows include but are not limited to daily newscasts, breaking news cut-ins, sports specials, election coverage, OTT, and community service programs.
• Manage assigned tasks in a dynamic newsroom environment while demonstrating the ability to multi-task as well as the ability to handle change in a timely manner.
• Assist in training our Director Trainees and Newscast Technicians
• Ability to Call and Punch newscasts if neededPerform other duties as needed and directed by your manager.

Specific Job Tasks:

Direct Live Newscast – 75%

• Prepare show rundowns. Continually review rundown and scripts for updates
• Pre-record reporter or anchor standups before live broadcast as requested
• Pre-record all news preproduction before live broadcasts as requested
• Execute live news broadcast with the highest of quality in mind
• Pre-record news and promotion topicals in between newscasts
  

Operate Studio Gear – 15%

• Run studio camera for both live and non-live events
• Operate audio board for both live and non-live events
• Operate character generator for both live and non-live events
• Create graphic art for both live and non-live events

Supervising – 10%

• Communicating effectively with the Senior Director and Shift Supervisors
• Communicating effectively as a team leader with newscast producers
• Communicating effectively with the technical crew leading them through live programming
• Training technical crew 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and ability to use video switchers, audio equipment, studio cameras, computer graphics, video editing, lighting and set/studio maintenance.
• Ability to clearly give direction to crew while under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, delegate and manage many projects simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to learn new technology as needs arise.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and interact with all personnel within the organization
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills in English
• Attention to detail
• Must be able and willing to work different shifts and be flexible with schedule changes

Education and Experience:

• Proven experience leading a team
• Proficiency in all newscast technician responsibilities
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in live production preferred
• HS Diploma preferred

Working Hours and Conditions:

• General office environment with occasional outdoor work in both good and bad weather
• Must be able to work under time pressure deadlines.
• Must be willing and able to work different shifts or longer shifts due to “breaking news” and severe weather emergencies.
• Must be willing and able to work weekends and holidays.
• Must have the ability to be punctual.
• Materials and equipment used:  video switchers, audio equipment, studio cameras, teleprompter, chyon, various other television production equipment, and occasionally use power and hand tools (drill, saw, hammer, screwdriver, etc.).

Physical Demands:

• Receive, process, and maintain information through oral and/or written communication effectively.
• Substantial physical movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Ability to extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction with good eye and hand coordination
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, kneel and/or stoop.
• Lift, move, and carry up to 50 pounds on occasion.
• Be able to sit and stand for long periods of time.

Pay Rate: $15-17 / hr

Waterman Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.