NEWS PRODUCER - 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:

WMTV is the NBC and CW affiliate headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. 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 a News and Digital Content Producer who is excited to take Madison’s #1 morning newscast to the next level. Our producers create, coordinate, and showcase content that appears on-air and online. You will also be cross-trained to produce content for all of WMTV’s digital platforms, including our website and streamed content. You must be an innovator, who can see the big picture, as well as someone who is a stickler for the details, writing conversationally (for TV) and with AP Style (for digital).

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• You will report to and work closely with the News Director, Assistant News Director, and Executive Producer in shaping and ensuring the execution of our digital-first strategy on all platforms (website, social media, our news and weather apps, OTT, and television).
• Act with urgency and immediacy. Be first and best with the story. You are expected to research and write copy daily as new information is learned and to share it on all platforms, including television, WMTV15News.com, and social media.
• 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.
• Ensure story selection and placement in your rundown fits journalistic/editorial standards, as well as WMTV’s brand pillars.
• Understand our DMA, key target audiences, and where they live.
• Produce engaging and error-free work. Pay attention to the details!
• Communicate and collaborate professionally and respectfully with your coworkers to enhance the viewer experience and understanding of content.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• We prefer a college degree in journalism or related field, and at least one or more years of newsroom or digital producing experience.
• 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 (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

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

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

Experience

Preferred

• 1 year(s): At least one or more years of newsroom or digital producing experience.

Education

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Journalism

Motivations

Preferred

• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals