Job Listings & Resources

Job Title: Talk Producer

Location: Wisconsin Public Radio, University of Wisconsin-Extension

Job Description: Manage day-to-day production of call-in talk show, meeting daily deadlines. Collaborate with talk host, communicate with guests, and develop fresh topic and guest ideas. Serve as on-air producer for talk programs. Create and post show content on wpr.org and related websites. Assist with production of other programs as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  1. Keep current on issues of importance and interest to listeners and attend scheduled editorial meetings.
  2. Pitch ideas for program topics and guests that fit to the show’s mission using multiple sources and internet skills, conduct pre-interviews, provide program host with background material, suggested introductions and questions.
  3. Serve as on-air producer, including screening listener phone calls, e-mails and social media posts, suggesting questions and fact checking during live show.
  4. Assist Technical Director in identifying and/or preparing music, sound elements, and news clips for use during program. Gather audio elements as needed.
  5. Communicate show ideas daily via e-mail and online calendar with other producers, hosts, and Talk and/or Asst. Talk Director.
  6. Create and update web content and features, including Facebook, Twitter, blogs, program website, and RSS feed.
  7. Write content for Program Notes and weekly email bulletin, create and post weekly YouTube video.
  8. Organize and maintain program information files, rolodex and resource information.
  9. Write, record, edit, and distribute on-air promos each day.
  10. When appropriate, write and distribute press releases for the program.
  11. Build and maintain relationships with campus entities, keep tabs on campus and community events.
  12. Fill in for other producing staff as assigned.
  13. Demonstrate respect for others in all workplace relationships and interactions.
  14. Participate in WPR staff meetings and development activities, including promotional appearances and on-air fundraisers.
  15. Other duties as assigned Talk Programming Director or Assistant 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 cancellation.
  • Update websites (including social media sites) with fresh and compelling content on a daily basis. 
Minimum Qualifications:
  1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Minimum of one year’s experience in live, call-in talk show production including locating, pre-screening and scheduling guests.
  2. Audio editing knowledge and experience (Adobe Audition, Sound Forge or others).
  3. High level of verbal and written communication skills.
  4. 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.
  5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multi-cultural audiences and guests.

Desired, but not required, Qualifications

  1. Public Radio experience.
  2. Knowledge of Wisconsin.
  3. Foreign language fluency.
  4. Study abroad experience.
  5. Master’s degree.
  6. Live on-air experience.
  7. Board operation experience.
  8. Familiarity with Audio Vault.

Salary: The full-time minimum for this position is $31,000 ($23,250 @ 75%). Actual pay will be proportional to qualifications and experience. UW-Extension offers a comprehensive fringe benefits package.   

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, including a 30 minute lunch break. Periodic early morning, late afternoon and weekend work will occur.

How to Apply: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled however application review will begin on August 19, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Applications must contain ALL of the following items. 

  1. A completed UW-Extension application form, survey and confidentiality notice.
  2. A detailed resume
  3. List of three professional references including email contact information. (on form)
  4. 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.
  5. 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.).
  6. Recruitment source where you learned of this opening. (on form)
  7. 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, betsy.nelson@wpr.org

This document can be made available in alternative formats by calling the person listed above.

Under Wisconsin Statutes, if asked, UW-Extension is required to provide a list of all nominees and applicants who have not requested, in writing, that their identities remain confidential.  The identities of all finalists must be released upon request.

An offer of employment is contingent upon establishment of identity and verification of employment eligibility as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

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.