Executive News Producer

Job Description

EXECUTIVE NEWS PRODUCER (MORNING) - WMTV

About Gray Media:

Gray Media is a leading media company that owns and operates high-quality stations in 113 television markets that collectively reach 36 percent of US television households.

We constantly strive for excellence. Through upgrading to the latest technology and seeking new ways to stay on top in our markets, we focus on training and development of the best and brightest employees in the business.

About WMTV:

At WMTV, we work hard and take pride in getting it right! Our team was recently honored four years in a row as ''News Operation of the Year'' by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association-- for coverage airing in 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. We've also received numerous Emmys and Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, including the coveted ''Overall Excellence'' honor in 2022 and 2024.
Our producers are true newsroom leaders. You will contribute daily to elevating our newscasts and will be an ambassador-championing our community initiatives. We are consistently recognized for serving our communities through initiatives like the WMTV Diaper Drive, our Share Your Holidays campaign benefitting Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, and Take Your Brat To Work Day-the original, drive-through fundraising event.

At WMTV, you'll work hard and find balance outside of work. Madison is consistently named one of the best places to live in America. We are conveniently located just 1.5 hours from Milwaukee, 2.5 hours from Chicago, and 5 hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Click here to learn more about the Madison market & working at WMTV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7KugIlmEWI

Job Summary/Description:

WMTV 15 News has an immediate opening for an Executive News Producer who is passionate about news and excited to take Madison's #1-morning newscast to the next level. You will lead, mentor, and guide our morning team to success and serve as the primary editorial decision-maker-overseeing every step of our newsgathering and content-sharing process.

Duties/Responsibilities will include (but not be limited to) the following:
• This is a key and senior-level position in our newsroom. You will report to the News Director. You are responsible for shaping and ensuring the execution of our digital-first strategy on all platforms (website, social media, our news and weather apps, OTT, and television).
• The Morning EP mentors and encourages the journalistic growth and professional development of our producing team, as well as all reporters/writers on staff. You are willing to set new expectations, inspire excellence, and hold the team accountable.
• Responsible for fact-checking and copy-editing broadcast and digital copy. You will review video and written content to ensure story selection, development and placement in newscast adheres to journalistic/editorial standards, as well as WMTV's brand pillars.
• Act with urgency and immediacy. Show our news team how to be first and best with the story on all platforms, including television, WMTV15News.com, social media, and streamed content.
• Identify opportunities for live streaming on our website, getting live and user-generated content to our TV newscasts and News Now Desk, and sending push alerts to extend the reach of our work.
• Understand our DMA, key target audiences, and where they live.
• Produce engaging and error-free work. Pay attention to the details! You are someone who can see the big picture and be a stickler for the details, writing conversationally (for TV) and with AP Style (for digital).
• Be the ''morning voice'' and point person ensuring our daily and long-term projects, including special events and breaking news coverage, are multi-dimensional. You will act with urgency and be responsible for setting our coverage tone for the overnight/morning hours and for ensuring a strong handoff to the dayside crew.
• As a member of the news management team, you will work with other news managers and station department heads on major station initiatives, including WMTV's Share Your Holidays campaign benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank and our Diaper Drive. You will also ensure our newsroom is adopting corporate resources and best practices, and that we are a leader within the company and our industry. You are committed to this vision of success.
• Communicate and collaborate professionally and respectfully with your coworkers to enhance the viewer experience and understanding of content. Lead assertively--- and with kindness, civility, and fairness.

Qualifications/Requirements:
• The ideal candidate will have previous experience managing a news team and producing compelling newscasts in a competitive market. We prefer a college degree in journalism or related field.
• Must have a desire to win, a positive attitude, and the ability to reflect on your work and apply feedback.
• Strong research skills, ability to employ critical thinking skills to dig and go ''beyond the press release'' and confirm incoming news tips via email or social media.
• Strong time management skills are also essential. Must be able to work quickly while maintaining accuracy in your work. Must have the ability to multi-task and maintain composure, especially while under deadline pressure and during breaking news.
• A strong candidate will have an established and responsible presence on digital platforms, including social media.
• Working knowledge of CMS and Digital platforms, including ARC, Social News Desk, and CrowdTangle. Photoshop experience is a plus.
• Understanding of and adherence to AP Style.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Flexibility to work different hours and shifts, including weekends and holidays (for example, to cover a coworker's time off or to assist in breaking news and specialized coverage).

If you feel you're qualified and want to work with a great group of people go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, you may type in the job title, station call letters, or click on ''apply now'', upload your resume, cover letter, and references

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal)

WMTV-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Gray Media encourages all new employees to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus virus before the first workday.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rj30kb-3-136-233-213-42 in your application.