On-Call Producer, Forum

Position Summary:

KQED’s two-hour flagship news and public affairs morning show Forum is seeking on-call producers to help bring listeners in-depth analysis of breaking news as well as lively discussions on politics, social issues, arts and culture.

Successful candidates will come brimming with ideas not only for topics to tackle, but also how to execute shows about those topics. Producers are expected to craft compelling show introductions and plan thoughtful arcs to hour-long conversations. Duties include thoroughly researching topics, booking insightful guests, incorporating sound bites and planning questions.

Forum producers work with the show’s senior producer, lead producers, co-hosts Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal and other journalists at KQED to host nuanced conversations about issues across the Bay Area and beyond. In addition to planning shows, producers also assist the team during live broadcasts, highlighting calls, tweets, emails and other listener comments to go on air.

Forum producers promote citizen engagement through targeted use of social media and assist with writing web posts for each show.

On-call journalists play a critical role filling a number of positions in the newsroom, learning new skills while working alongside other public media reporters, editors and managers. They often work inconsistent schedules and can work in a variety of roles. On-call Forum producers may have opportunities to train for additional newsroom jobs, including general assignment reporting, newscast and podcast production, digital journalism and more.

KQED is a fast-paced news environment with daily deadlines. We are looking for people who love Bay Area and California news and have a strong sense of communities that are underrepresented. We’re also looking for applicants who can think critically about the media's role in our democracy and region. 

We strive to be intentional about employing talented journalists who can demonstrate cultural competency, who have familiarity with specific communities and who can find diverse sources.

Salary range information will be provided to applicants who are contacted for an interview

The successful candidate will be required to join The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

One of our core values at KQED is that we are better together, and that we commit to learning, growth, and holding ourselves accountable. We value the contributions of marginalized people in society — including Black, Indigenous, and all people of color,  people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA people — and we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, and we strongly encourage members of these communities to apply.

This role will work hybrid between working in KQED's newly renovated headquarters and working remotely. KQED requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Essential Functions: 

• Participates in the planning, development and execution of program content, topics and issues and in selecting guests to appear on a daily program.
• Participates in program activities during live on-air broadcasts of Forum, including screening callers and directing the live program.
• Pre-interviews news sources and prepares background information and other editorial material for hosts.
• Writes scripts for the Forum host and prepares draft interview questions.
• Participates in special coverage, broadcasting and online activities with other KQED news and public affairs staff.
• Conducts phone and online research as required.
• Selects and edits sound elements for use in the daily program.
• Continues the program’s conversation online through use of social media networks.
• Utilizes social media channels to promote citizen awareness and participation and to inform program content.
• Helps maintain and expand the program’s database of sources.
• Helps maintain files and records of productions.
• Participates in coordinating Forum promotional events with appropriate KQED staff
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Job Functions

• Report short-form and longer-form stories for radio broadcast and digital publication as shift demands or allows.
• Train for other newsroom roles as needed.

Knowledge/Experience Required:

• 3 years’ broadcast journalism experience or equivalent experience in another field that would bring a unique perspective to the show.
• Consistent pursuit of knowledge of the San Francisco Bay Area, California, national and international issues, personalities and events.
• Ability to conduct telephone interviews, gather facts and cover a wide range of public affairs topics in a fair and innovative manner.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Strong news judgment.
• Ability to work under strict deadlines.
• Excellent communications skills. Ability to communicate clearly with a variety of individuals. Experience working with communities that reflect Northern California’s diversity.

Knowledge/Experience Desired

• Working knowledge of a range of significant public affairs issues and subjects such as government and politics, the economy, education, health, immigration, legal affairs, the environment and cultural community life.  Demonstrated interest in literature and the arts preferred.
• Experience working in a demographically diverse news environment is strongly desired.
• Experience in blogging or digital news writing or production.
• Ability to speak a language other than English.

 Growth & Development Opportunities: 

• On-call employees at KQED often have the opportunity to train for other roles in our newsroom, including newscasts reporting and producing, digital news reporting and editing, engagement, podcast production and more.

 The mission that drives us:

KQED is for everyone who wants to be more. Our television, radio, digital media, and educational services change lives for the better and help individuals and communities achieve their full potential.

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st-century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration- exposing them to new people, places and ideas.

We celebrate diversity, embrace innovation, value lifelong learning and partner with those who share our passion for public services.