Senior Producer, The Headlines at The New York Times

Los Angeles, California, United States

The New York Times Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Journalism, Media, NewsIndustries

Requirements

  • Understanding of the news and deep experience in writing for audio with an ear for clarity and logical sequencing of ideas
  • Ability to find tape that enriches and advances a story
  • Considerable experience working within a newsroom setting
  • Ability to identify opportunities for reporter voices, cut and build show segments
  • Autonomous self-starter, comfortable working independently
  • Ability to elicit strong tape by coaching hosts/reporters on mic
  • Exceptional audio production skills and strong editorial judgment
  • Ability to help the team identify and pursue editorial missions, structure story beats
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and interest in experimenting with the conventions of audio news
  • At least 7 years of experience working in daily news at a major news organization
  • Proficiency with audio editing software, like ProTools
  • Based in Los Angeles or San Francisco (in-office position with regular attendance four days each week; some remote flexibility per departmental guidance)
  • Availability for Sunday to Thursday schedule, with shifts as late as 7 p.m. Pacific / 10 p.m. Eastern
  • Knowledge across and interest in multiple disciplines such as politics, business, science, etc. (preferred)
  • Experience coaching people on mic (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Monitor the news cycle in order to create a proposed line-up for The Headlines show; be responsive to breaking news
  • Focus on finding the best angle on the big news stories of the day in sophisticated, distinctive ways
  • Identify key external sources of tape. Gather and organize that tape, and pull the best selections
  • In addition to following external news events, review and assess the Times' enterprise work for potential inclusion in the program and support futures programming
  • Record with Times reporters on breaking news and enterprise stories, gathering concise and compelling tape. Pull selections
  • Draft scripts that move in and out of tape with active voice, and in a way that eliminates repetition and propels the story forward
  • Work within the larger newsroom to make sure The Headlines is up-to-date on the latest stories. Reach out to relevant editors, reporters, photographers, video producers and other staff to gather assets and track publication dates
  • Welcome and solicit feedback, incorporating editorial notes quickly, working collaboratively and coming up with creative solutions when disagreements arise
  • Maintain our news planning calendar and our team Airtable
  • May be asked to backfill host
  • Use editorial judgment that's reflective of Times mission and principles
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

audio productionwriting for audionews monitoringtape editingeditorial judgmentstory structuringreporter coachingnewsroom experience

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Where is this position based?

The Senior Producer will be based in Los Angeles or San Francisco.

What salary or compensation does this role offer?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills and experience are required for this role?

Candidates need deep experience in writing for audio with clarity and logical sequencing, considerable experience in a newsroom setting, exceptional audio production skills, and strong editorial judgment. Additional requirements include finding and editing tape, coaching hosts/reporters, and being an autonomous self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit.

What is the company culture like at The New York Times?

The culture emphasizes independent journalism, journalistic rigor, collaboration across teams including with reporters and editors, and a focus on delivering high-quality news experiences across formats. It values responsiveness to feedback, creative problem-solving, and making journalism worth paying for.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Producer role?

A strong candidate is an autonomous self-starter with deep audio writing and production experience, newsroom background, strong editorial judgment, and the ability to collaborate across teams while experimenting with audio news formats.

The New York Times

Digital and print news organization

About The New York Times

The New York Times provides news coverage, analysis, and opinion pieces on various topics such as politics, business, technology, and culture, catering to a global audience. Its products include both digital and print editions, which operate on a subscription-based model, generating revenue from over 10 million paid subscriptions. The company also earns income through advertising, including display ads and sponsored content. What sets The New York Times apart from competitors is its reputation for reliable journalism and in-depth reporting. Additionally, it offers specialized services like NYT Cooking, which enhances the value for subscribers. The goal of The New York Times is to deliver high-quality journalism while adapting to the changing media landscape.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters
1850Year Founded
$600.2MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer Goods, EntertainmentIndustries
5,001-10,000Employees

Benefits

Remote Work Options
Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Legal challenges from AI companies could strain financial resources.
Internal conflicts over editorial policies may affect staff morale and integrity.
Collaborations may lead to conflicts over editorial control and revenue sharing.

Differentiation

The New York Times has won 98 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other newspaper.
It offers specialized services like NYT Cooking, enhancing subscriber value.
The company boasts over 10 million paid subscriptions, leading in digital news.

Upsides

Increased demand for audio content boosts The New York Times' podcast offerings.
Growing interest in climate change topics can expand The New York Times' readership.
The popularity of newsletters strengthens subscriber relationships and engagement.

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