Job Listings & Resources

Date Posted: Nov. 1, 2010

Title: Talk Radio Producer

Organization: Wisconsin Public Radio

Description: Manage day-to-day production of live radio talk show, meet daily deadlines, collaborate with talk host, communicate with guests and develop fresh or novel topic and guest ideas.  Serve as on-air producer and call screener for talk programs.  

Representative Duties:

  • Keep current on issues of importance and interest to listeners and attend scheduled editorial meetings to suggest call in topics and guests.
  • Locate, pre interview and schedule appropriate guests for call in programming.
  • Maintain productive relationships with program's established regular and semi-regular guest experts and develop cadre of guests on topics of continuing interest.
  • Provide program host with background material, suggested introductions and questions.
  • Produce and distribute appropriate program information sheets internally and program notes for external audiences.
  • Organize and maintain program information files, rolodex and resource information.
  • Serve as on air producer for daily call in programming as assigned.
  • Train and oversee production assistant staff as assigned.
  • Fills in for other on-air staff and producing staff as assigned.
  • Participates in promotional appearances and on air fundraisers as assigned.
  • Attends staff meetings as assigned.
  • Updates WPR website and social media sites daily. 
  • Demonstrates respect for others in all workplace relationships and interactions.
  • Work productively and successfully with diverse, multicultural people and groups.
  • Other duties as assigned by Talk Director.

Essential Job Functions: 

  • Works independently to complete assignments with little or no assistance on individual tasks 
  • Manage multi-line phone system, e-mail and social media websites simultaneously during live broadcast. 
  • Produce cogent background material and audio clips and other material for host in timely fashion
  • Maintains composure and professionalism when unexpected barriers arise before or during live program (such as guest canceling)
  • Update websites (including social media sites) with fresh and compelling content on a daily basis. 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum of one or more years experience in live, call-in talk show production, including locating, pre-screening and scheduling guests.
  • Audio editing knowledge and experience (Adobe Audition, Sound Forge or others)
  • High level of verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated organizational and research skills to produce and promote a daily talk show.
  • Familiarity with and comfort using social media, including understanding of appropriate use of social media in various settings.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multi-cultural audiences and guests

Desired Qualifications:

  • Availability not later than January 1, 2011.  
  • Public Radio experience.
  • Knowledge of Wisconsin.
  • Hosting or other live on-air experience.
  • Board operation experience. 
  • Familiarity with Audio Vault.

How to Apply: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled however application review will begin on November 12. Applications must contain ALL of the following items.  

  • A completed UW-Extension application form, survey and confidentiality notice.
  • A detailed resume and three professional references including email contact information. 
  • A 1-2 page narrative detailing how your experience relates to the qualifications and duties of this position.  Be certain to address each major job duty.
  • Sample(s) of your work of not more than 5 pages (research/background material for host, promo sheets, press releases, on-air promo copy, etc.).
  • Recruitment source where you learned of this opening.
  • Salary History.

The successful applicant will be required to provide documentation of credentials. Prior to appointment to this position, a criminal records review will be conducted.  UWEX complies with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act with regard to nondiscrimination on the basis of arrest and/or conviction record. Direct inquiries and completed applications to:  Betsy Nelson, Wisconsin Public Radio 821 University Avenue,  Madison, WI  53706, 608-262-5221.

Contact: betsy.nelson@wpr.org

Deadline: Best consideration by 11/12/10

EOE: An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, the University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.  Persons of color, women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.