Associate Producer, Freakonomics Radio

Posted On: September 29, 2010

Journalism Internship

Media Organization:New York Public Radio

Company Description

WNYC, American Public Media and Marketplace are teaming up to bring "the hidden side of everything" to public radio. This effort -- online, on-air and through an already-popular podcast -- will create regular programming for Marketplace's national radio audience, a weekly podcast and a series of special programs each year. Hosted by Stephen Dubner, the co-author of "Freakonomics" and "SuperFreakonomics," these stories will dive into the things you think you know but don't and the things you didn't think you want to know about, but do.

Job Description

Successful candidates for the Associate Producer position will be independent and creative thinkers with strong communication skills, seeking to discover new stories of the way the world works. Applicants should have a love of the sciences, from economics to sociology to medicine, a creative spirit and a desire to bring these stories to diverse, demanding and new audiences on public radio and online.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

-Play a central creative role in all aspects of production of Freakonomics Radio content, from Marketplace to podcasts to live events, longer-format special programs and a web site
-Work with the Executive Producer to identify and develop story ideas in academic research, news reports, underreported events, and everyday life
-Assist with editorial research, including research and pre-interviews of potential sources
-Write precise and thoughtful background materials for host to conduct interviews
-Identify and interview sources who can contribute to the project's programming. Arrange and record those interviews.
-Audio production to prepare material for broadcast, including recording interviews, transferring and editing audio, duplication, and archiving, as well as preparing the show's podcast
-Develop and expand the show's circle of collaborators and researchers, giving their work a voice and an audience.
-Write blog posts, and other editorial and reporting responsibilities as assigned.
-Assist with preparation of editorial material (audio, text, photographs) for online use
-Assist with organizational support, including production schedules, completion of necessary paperwork and documentation, and cataloguing of materials necessary to productions
-Comply with New York Public Radio and show policies and guidelines
-This position requires use of a computer, telephone and other office and/or broadcast equipment; ability to communicate effectively through a variety of methods; requires ability to work extended hours as needed
-Perform occasional field reporting and/or recording. Must be able to work remotely on occasion
-Work on special projects and other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

-Bachelors Degree or satisfactory equivalent required
-Minimum two years prior professional experience in journalism, not necessarily in radio.
-An inclination or appreciation for of contrarian thinking, and proven ability to generate inimitable and rare story ideas.
-An appreciation of, if not an addiction to, the Freakonomics blog, books (and perhaps podcast).
-Ability to work independently to develop ideas and sources
-Fastidious and extensive research skills required
-Ability to meet objectives under deadline pressure required
-Excellent communication skills�both oral and written�with an impressive reputation for building and maintaining relationships with people at all levels of an organization, across a diverse range of cultural, generational, ethnic, racial, educational and social backgrounds
-Experience working on live event or live radio production desired, but not required
-A strong interest in news and media. Radio listener (public and commercial) preferred
-Experience with audio editing software (ProTools and DAVID, or like applications) is a bonus, but not required
-High comfort level with Microsoft Office, especially Excel
-Requires the intellectual and emotional depth, maturity, self-confidence and interpersonal skills to work effectively and/or interact with other programming staff, executives at New York Public Radio, colleagues, sources and guests
-Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between New York Public Radio and AFTRA.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

To Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter, salary requirements and resume online to jobs@wnyc.org with "Assoc Prod, Freakonomics 2010" and your last name in the subject line.

New York Public Radio must receive all information requested