How to Be News Production Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 20, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The increasing prevalence of technology has had a profound effect on communication, leading to an overall decline in face-to-face interaction. With the rise of social media, texting, and video conferencing, traditional methods of communication such as telephone calls, in-person meetings, and letters have become less common. As a result, people are losing the ability to effectively communicate with each other, leading to misunderstandings and social isolation.

Furthermore, physical contact has been reduced or eliminated, which can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing. Technology has thus created a disconnect between individuals, altering the way people communicate and interact with one another.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a degree in communications, journalism, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in communications or journalism. Coursework should include classes in media production, writing, media law, and new technology.
Gain experience in the field. Obtain internships or volunteer positions with a television station, radio station, or news organization to gain practical experience.
Build a portfolio of work. Create a portfolio that showcases your best work and demonstrate your skills in media production and writing.
Network with people in the industry. Reach out to media professionals and attend job fairs, career mixers, and other networking events to meet potential employers.
Apply for news production assistant positions. Search job postings online and submit your resume and portfolio to employers.
Interview with employers. Showcase your skills and experience during the interview and be prepared to answer questions about the role and your career goals.
Get hired as a news production assistant. Accept an offer from an employer and begin your career as a news production assistant.

Production assistants are essential to the success of any news production. They must be reliable and competent in order to ensure that the production runs smoothly and meets deadlines. To be reliable, production assistants must be punctual, organized, and able to manage their time efficiently.

They should also be able to take initiative, anticipate problems, and act quickly to resolve them. Competence is achieved by having a strong understanding of the production process, a solid grasp of industry standard practices, and the ability to communicate effectively with team members. A good production assistant also needs to be flexible and able to work in any environment.

By having these qualities and skills, production assistants can ensure that news productions are completed successfully and on time.

You may want to check News Graphic Designer, Online News Editor, and Specialty News Reporter for alternative.

Job Description

Research and write news stories for broadcast and digital platforms.
Assist with coordinating and scheduling news interviews, field shoots, and other news related activities.
Manage and maintain newsroom systems, including audio/video editing, graphics, and web content.
Assist with the production of live and taped news segments.
Prepare materials for on-air broadcasts and post-production editing.
Assist with the technical aspects of editing and broadcasting news content.
Assist with the preparation of daily newscasts and other news programming.
Monitor news wires, websites, and social media for breaking news stories.
Assist with the development of story ideas and research content for stories.
Update and maintain newsroom databases and records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to research, develop and write news stories
Proficient in AP style
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work quickly and accurately under tight deadlines
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Knowledge of broadcast technology, including editing software and video equipment
Knowledge of current events and news trends
Ability to interview sources and gather information
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to take direction and respond effectively to feedback

The ability to effectively communicate is a crucial skill for any Production Assistant in news. Being able to effectively communicate with the team and other stakeholders is essential in order to ensure that everyone understands the project, that deadlines are met, and that the news program runs smoothly. Poor communication can lead to missed deadlines, poor coordination between departments, and even missed opportunities.

Furthermore, being able to clearly express ideas and opinions in both written and verbal formats is key to success in this field. Good communication also requires the ability to listen and effectively respond to others, as well as the ability to think critically and come up with creative solutions to solve problems. Without these skills, a news production assistant may struggle to make an impact and be successful in their role.

News Digital Editor, News Assignment Editor, and News Technical Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the news production industry?
How do you stay up to date on current news topics?
How would you handle a situation where a deadline is quickly approaching and there is still a lot of work to be done?
Describe a time when you had to manage multiple tasks at once.
How do you handle working with tight deadlines?
How do you stay organized when managing multiple projects?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy in your work?
What do you find most challenging about the news production process?
What do you think is the most important quality for a news production assistant?
What do you think sets you apart from other candidates for this position?

Common Tools in Industry

Content Management System (CMS). A software application used for organizing and managing the content of websites and other digital media. (eg: WordPress, Drupal)
Video Editing Software. Software used for editing video files, including adding special effects and titles. (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
Audio Editing Software. Software used to edit audio files and mix music. (eg: Pro Tools, Audacity)
Graphic Design Software. Software used to create graphics, logos, and illustrations. (eg: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
Social Media Management Software. Software used to manage social media channels, such as scheduling posts, tracking analytics, and engaging with customers. (eg: Hootsuite, Buffer)
Digital Asset Management Software. Software used to manage digital media files, such as images, videos, and audio. (eg: Adobe Lightroom, Extensis Portfolio)
Communication Software. Software used for communication between team members and outside contacts. (eg: Slack, Zoom)
Data Analytics Software. Software used to track analytics and measure performance of digital media. (eg: Google Analytics, Tableau)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
Radio-Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Online News Association (ONA)
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)
International Association of Broadcast Communicators (IABC)
Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE)
American Society of News Editors (ASNE)
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)

We also have News Intern, News Director, and News Segment Producer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Scriptwriting. The process of creating an original script for a television program, movie, or other form of media.
Storyboarding. A planning process of creating a visual outline of a story or project. It is used to plan out shots and visualize the project before it is filmed or put into production.
Pre-production. The stage of production before filming begins; includes creating budgets, scripts, storyboards, and gathering locations, props, and crew.
Scheduling. The process of planning and organizing tasks and events to be completed in a given timeframe.
Editing. The process of arranging video and audio footage into a finished product.
Logging. The practice of cataloging and organizing footage for easy retrieval during editing.
Graphics. Visual elements used to enhance the visual component of a production, such as titles, animations, or charts.
Lighting. The use of lights to create atmosphere and provide illumination for a scene or production.
Audio Mixing. Combining multiple audio elements into one cohesive soundscape.
Quality Control. Ensuring that all aspects of a production meet the necessary standards before it is broadcast or released to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary duties of a News Production Assistant?

The primary duties of a News Production Assistant include organizing and coordinating production elements, such as camera crew, equipment, and graphics; ensuring compliance with station and regulatory standards; and assisting with audio and editing projects.

What qualifications are necessary for a News Production Assistant?

Qualifications for a News Production Assistant typically include a high school diploma or equivalent; experience in television or radio production; proficiency with audio and/or video editing software; excellent communication and organizational skills; and the ability to work well under pressure.

How long does it usually take to become a News Production Assistant?

The amount of time it takes to become a News Production Assistant can vary greatly depending on one's experience in the industry and the specific roles they are seeking. Generally, however, it can take anywhere from 6 months to several years of experience to become proficient in the role.

What type of environment does a News Production Assistant typically work in?

A News Production Assistant typically works in a fast-paced broadcast newsroom or studio environment. The job requires strong communication skills, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to multitask while working under tight deadlines.

What is the typical salary range for a News Production Assistant?

The typical salary range for a News Production Assistant can vary depending on experience, location, and the size of the news organization. Generally, salaries range from $28,000 to $45,000 per year.