KPBS San Diego News Now Producer/ Host

Overview

The salary range for this position is $36.40 - $39.50 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

This position is scheduled to close on March 26, 2025 at 4:00pm (PST).

Work Hours: The Producer/Host shift typically runs from 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This position is part of the SAG-AFTRA bargaining unit with KPBS.

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming.  KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego.  Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience.  It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

The San Diego News Now (SDNN) podcast provides daily news and information that informs, educates and connects the community on-demand and in under fifteen minutes.The Producer/Host writes, produces and voices the SDNN podcast and creates original, podcast-first content.

Under the supervision of the Senior Audio News Producer, The Producer/Host will work at the direction of the News Director and collaborate with members of the news team, including news editors, hosts, producers, videographers, video editors, reporters and news assistants.

The Producer/Host is expected to participate in station on-air fundraising activities, and make appearances for KPBS community building events and other public relations activities.

Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

• Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.

• Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by position)
• 10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4 days off over winter break)
• Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
• Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
• Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
• Free wellness classes & programs
• Staff pop-up events
• Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
• On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Flexible spending account(s)
• Employee assistance program
• Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan

Responsibilities

The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive.  The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities. Job descriptions may be changed at any time based on the needs of the department.

Producing 70%

• Stack podcast rundown and select top local headlines of the day with an eye towards content that holds for the following morning when the podcast is published.
• Write headlines that are conversational and easy to understand. 
• Edit and rewrite scripts from the newsroom in a conversational tone. 
• Produce interview segments and cut copies. This involves pitching, booking, researching and writing the script.
• Gather audio remotely or in the field to produce original content.
• Writs podcast headline and description for podcast web post with listener interest and search engine optimization in mind.
• Write web stories for original content.
• Responsible for the audio production of the podcast, including gathering audio clips and the final audio editing and mixing. 
• Upload podcast to be distributed on podcast catchers.
• Create podcast web posts for each podcast episode.
• Provide audio to radio operations for uploading to web stories/NPR app.

Hosting 15%

• Voice and record daily podcasts in a conversational manner that connects with San Diego podcast listeners. 
• Record introductions and tags for features/wraps not in the podcast.
• Prepare for and conduct interviews.
• Promote San Diego News Now on social media.

Planning 10%

• Read and follow major developments on general stories. 
• Brainstorm ideas for the podcast and content with the senior producer..

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned 5%

• Attend station and department meetings, represent the station at public events.
• Responsible for appropriate record keeping, correspondence, phone calls, supplies and equipment.   
• Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to write, produce and voice a podcast.
• Knowledge of, and ability to, edit audio..
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated expertise in, voice delivery and writing for the ear.
• Demonstrated excellence in news judgment and ability to generate engaging content ideas.
• Ability to think creatively about topics and story angles. 
• Demonstrated experience in print and/or broadcast writing. 
• Knowledge of, and adherence to, high ethical standards.
• Knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and AP Style.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, attention to detail. 
• Ability to work, with direction from supervisor, in a collaborative team environment.  
• Ability to meet deadlines, handle multiple stories and shift gears quickly.
• Proven ability to consistently work well with editors and station colleagues, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at KPBS and within the public broadcasting system.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively; both verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and students.

• Demonstrated knowledge of basic computer and researching skills.

• Ability to commute and visit offsite locations to find and interview sources as well as to attend various events relevant to the pursuit and delivery of stories.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.

Minimum Experience

• Three years professional experience in the news industry; podcasting, radio and/or TV.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work in journalism or related field.

Preferred Qualifications and Special Skills

• Broad knowledge of current San Diego regional issues.
• News experience in public media podcasting, radio, or television.
• Fluency in a  language in addition to English, e.g. Spanish, in order to connect to San Diego’s diverse communities.

Additional Applicant Information:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

Salary : $36 - $40