FSRN is Hiring for a Assistant Technical Producer

Free Speech Radio News, a half-hour daily news show, is searching for a qualified candidate to fill the Assistant Technical Producer position.  This position is 20-25 hours per week, 10:00am – 3:00pm Monday through Friday. The position is located at KPFA 94.1 FM in Berkeley, California. 

The Technical Producers are responsible for assembling the final newscast.  This is a key role in the post-production process and the Tech Producer’s skill determines the quality and delivery of the daily newscast. This position works independently, and closely with the Producers, Headlines Editor, Host and Reporters to meet broadcast quality requirements.  S/he has full and complete understanding of high-end radio production, and also has demonstrable knowledge of digital audio editing systems and audio recording equipment.  The successful candidate must be able to calmly and effectively problem solve under extreme deadline pressure.

Responsibilities:

1-Assures professional quality productions and smooth execution of projects by planning, organizing, instructing reporters and staff, implementing proper audio techniques, coordinating and scheduling pre-production, production and post-production with appropriate personnel.

2-Downloads incoming audio from FSRN’s upload page.  Monitors audio quality and communicates with Producers and Reporters of sound that does not meet broadcast quality standards.

3-Continually works with reporters, improving their audio recording techniques and also suggests equipment upgrades.  Also, troubleshoots various audio-editing, computer and ftp setups over the phone and/or via email.

4-Assembles/edits incoming news segments.  Records phoners, 2-ways and voice-overs when needed. Also, actively listens to content, and reports any inaccuracies to the producers and reporters for corrections.

5-Works efficiently and with speed and is capable of recording/assembling multiple segments daily and under time constraints. Maintains and adheres to predetermined production constraints, deadlines and quality standards. Assists the Technical Producers in timing out the daily newscast.

6 Communicates with Web Host regarding technical problems related to

FSRN’s website and audio upload page.

7-Assembles the daily newscast and prepares it for the 1 pm PST national broadcast.  Monitors the webstream and the 1:45, 2:30, 3:00 and 3:30 pm PST Satellite feeds.

8- Communicates with producers on the status of incoming news segments and the status of the show.  Producers are located mainly in VA, so communication is via phone, email or online chat.

9-Updates www.fsrn.org daily, using ftp and Drupal content management system.  Uploads the newscast audio and leads text for affiliate stations and online listeners. Troubleshoots any technical issue via phone or email.

10-Maintains a back-up archive of all finished FSRN newscasts on an external hard drive, clears out old files.

11-Recruits and trains possible fill-in Tech Producers.  Also, writes-up/re-writes guidelines for recording, mixing, uploading and other technical material when filing news stories for FSRN.

Qualifications for the position include:

1-Ability to multi-task, organize and meet scheduled deadlines in an fast paced news environment.  Capable of prioritizing work assignments in a deadline and detail oriented environment.

2-Good communication skills and works well in a team. 

3-Experience with studio quality digital audio editing systems, especially

Soundforge.  Also, proficiency in Drupal (CMS), mysql, wikis, ssh, and other web tools needed to expand FSRN’s online presence, manage data, and provide encryption for online donations highly preferred.

4-Ability to operate audio equipment used for productions.

5-Ability to work under deadline and extreme stress.  Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure and duress to complete work assignments under time and budget constraints and otherwise adverse conditions encountered during routine productions.

6-Ability to frequently use repetitive motions of the wrist, hands and/or fingers.

7-Commitment to the FSRN newscast and progressive news.  Also, the desire to help govern the diverse worker run collective consisting of 13 staff members and about 200 reporters.  Must maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that works well with co-workers, reporters, affiliates and listeners.

8- Strong computer skills and ability to learn new computer programs quickly.

9-Strong command of English language and ability to proofread scripts for grammatical errors.

Desired qualities:

*2 years broadcast newsroom production experience.

*Knowledge of languages other than English

Those interested in applying for the position should submit the following:

1) A cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position

that will highlight their qualifications

2) A resume

3) Three references

People of color, queer people, transgendered people, women, differently-abled people, working class people and others traditionally excluded from newsroooms are especially encouraged to apply.

Deadline for applications is June 1st, 2009.  There will be an audio editing test during the week of interviews at our Berkeley location.  The position would begin with a month of training starting July 13th, 2009. Please send a resume, cover letter and references to jobs.fsrn@gmail.com