News Producer

POSITION: News Producer

DIVISION: News & Content

CLASSIFICATION: Full time, exempt

REPORTS TO: Executive Producer

PAY:  $60,000 – 85,000  commensurate with experience

(SCHEDULE: Early morning shift; start time 5:30 a.m. (or earlier as needed), ending around 1:30 p.m.)

Summary: The News Producer plays a key editorial role in WXXI News' daily broadcast and digital operations, helping shape coverage for Morning Edition, Connections, and WXXI's digital news products. Working independently and in close collaboration with newsroom leaders, this position identifies compelling stories, coordinates breaking news coverage, books guests, prepares interviews, and ensures timely communication between reporters, editors, and hosts.

The News Producer also oversees the production and publication of key digital products, including the daily newsletter and news podcasts, and serves as an on-air host when needed. This role requires strong news judgment, sound editorial decision-making, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom while helping ensure WXXI delivers accurate, engaging journalism across broadcast, digital, and on-demand platforms.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Morning and Talk Show Support (65%)

Assist morning host with essential news gathering, including breaking news response, during early morning hours. Edit audio clips as needed.

Identify stories that are strong editorial fits for Morning Edition/Daily News podcasts and Connections and assist with guest booking, research, and prep as needed.

Line up reporter “two-ways” and interviews for host(s); schedule and coordinate participation with reporters, editors, and hosts.

Monitor host interviews and conversations on talk show for engaging pull-outs for social clips and to repurpose across WXXI platforms.

Coordinate breaking news response during early morning hours, including making initial calls, checking tips and inboxes while Morning Host is on air.

Participate in daily editorial meetings and work with reporters, editors and hosts to plan coverage that is essential and timely for our audience.

Digital Distribution Support (25%)

Finalize and publish WXXI’s daily newsletter

Produce and publish WXXI’s daily news podcasts

Act as the primary point person for early morning digital publishing across web and social and clearly hand off responsibilities to later-day teams.

Collaboration, Communication & Coverage Support (10%)

Serve as a consistent communication bridge between newsroom editors/reporters and show hosts/producers.

Proactively share information to reduce friction and miscommunication.

Fill in as host for either show when needed.