How to Be News Segment Producer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 3, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The increasing popularity of online streaming services has had a major effect on traditional television viewership. With the rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, people are now able to watch their favorite shows, films, and documentaries whenever they want. This has caused a drastic decrease in traditional TV viewership, which has resulted in a decrease in advertising revenue for networks and a decrease in ratings for shows. Additionally, the rise of streaming services has caused an increase in subscription costs for consumers, while also leading to a shift in the way content is consumed and produced.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require news segment producers to have a bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcasting, communications, or a related field. Courses taken in media production, editing, and writing are also beneficial.
Get Experience. Some employers may require news segment producers to have prior experience in television, radio, or film production. Internships and volunteer positions at local television or radio stations can provide valuable hands-on experience.
Gain Technical Skills. Producers must be knowledgeable of production equipment, such as cameras, audio and video recording and editing equipment, and computers. They must also be skilled in editing software and graphics programs.
Obtain a Job. News segment producers typically find employment at television or radio stations, networks, or production companies. They may be employed on a full-time or freelance basis.
Create Segments. Once hired, news segment producers create segments for newscasts, which may include stories, interviews, and voiceovers. They must ensure that all segments adhere to the station's standards and procedures.
Monitor Quality. Producers must ensure that all segments are of the highest quality and edited appropriately. They must be creative and resourceful when creating segments and work closely with reporters and anchors to ensure that all segments are accurate and up-to-date.
Maintain Records. News segment producers must keep detailed records of all segments produced, including sources and any other pertinent information. They must also stay up-to-date on current events and news topics to ensure that segments are accurate and relevant.

The news industry is an ever-evolving field, with new developments and technologies emerging at a rapid pace. To stay updated and competent in the field of news segment production, it is important to stay up to date with industry trends, publications, and resources. Keeping informed of the most current news stories, emerging technologies, and industry trends is essential for staying ahead of the competition and producing the best content possible.

staying connected to other news professionals, attending industry conferences and webinars, and participating in online forums can help keep one informed and connected to the latest developments in the field. Furthermore, reading industry publications, staying up to date on the latest technology, and keeping abreast of the competition are also important for maintaining one's competence as a news segment producer. By staying informed, up to date, and connected to the news industry, a segment producer can ensure they remain competent and successful in their field.

You may want to check News Technician, News Assignment Editor, and News Graphic Designer for alternative.

Job Description

Research and develop story ideas and angles
Pitch stories to the news director
Book guests, conduct interviews, and write scripts
Shoot video and edit packages
Coordinate with technical staff to ensure video and audio quality
Monitor and respond to breaking news situations
Help coordinate production of newscasts with anchors, reporters and other staff
Liaise with other departments and outside vendors
Work with the promotion department to develop creative teases for upcoming segments
Track and manage segment budgets

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong research skills
Knowledge of current events
Excellent writing and editing capabilities
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Proven track record of developing creative content
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Familiarity with broadcast production standards and protocols
Experience with video editing software
Proficiency in broadcast graphics software
Understanding of journalistic ethics and guidelines

The ability to produce a successful news segment is dependent upon many skills, but the most important one is having an eye for detail. This requires the producer to be highly organized and able to spot potential stories that could be of interest to viewers. the producer must have an understanding of current events and trends, as well as an understanding of the audiences needs.

Being able to work well with a team, including writers, editors and on-air talent, is also a must. Finally, a news segment producer must be able to effectively communicate their ideas and coordinate the various elements of the segment in order to create a successful show. All of these skills are essential for creating an engaging and informative news segment that viewers will enjoy and remember.

Social Media News Producer, News Researcher, and Radio News Producer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have creating and producing news segments?
How would you go about researching an upcoming news segment?
Describe the process of working with a team to produce a news segment.
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy in news segments?
How do you stay up-to-date with current news stories?
What challenges have you faced while producing a news segment?
Describe a time when you had to handle a sensitive news story in a professional manner.
How do you ensure that the news segment meets deadlines?
What strategies do you use to engage viewers with a news segment?
How do you ensure that your news segments are engaging, informative and accurate?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Video Editing Software. Used to edit digital video footage, such as adding transitions, titles, and sound effects. (e. g. Adobe Premiere Pro)
Audio Editing Software. Used to edit recorded audio, such as creating sound effects, adding music, and mixing audio. (e. g. Audacity)
Newsroom Computer System. Used to manage newsroom production, including editing scripts and stories for broadcast. (e. g. ENPS)
Graphics Software. Used to create graphics, animations, and other visuals for news broadcasts. (e. g. Adobe After Effects)
Presentation Software. Used to create presentations, including slides, graphs, and charts. (e. g. Microsoft PowerPoint)
Social Media Management Software. Used to manage social media accounts, including scheduling posts and tracking followers. (e. g. Hootsuite)
Web Design Software. Used to create websites and webpages, including coding and graphic design capabilities. (e. g. WordPress)
Storytelling Software. Used to create interactive stories and experiences for viewers. (e. g. Ceros)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE)
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS)
Radio and Television News Directors Association (RTNDA)
National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT)
International Radio and Television Society (IRTS)
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Online News Association (ONA)

We also have TV News Anchor, News Digital Editor, and Radio News Anchor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Editorial Calendar. An editorial calendar is a document used to organize and plan out the topics, deadlines, and other details associated with the content that will be published on a website or other media outlet.
Content Plan. A content plan outlines the structure, topics, and goals of a content marketing campaign. It provides a roadmap for creating content that is consistent, relevant, and targeted to the right audience.
Timelines. A timeline is a graphical representation of a project or workflow, showing the start and end dates for each stage of the project or task. It allows for a better understanding of how long each stage of the project or task will take.
Research. Research is the systematic process of gathering and analyzing data in order to answer questions or test hypotheses. It involves gathering information from primary and secondary sources and synthesizing it to draw conclusions.
Audience Analysis. Audience analysis is the process of determining who your target audience is and what their needs and interests are. It involves researching the demographics, psychographics, and behavior of your target audience in order to create content that resonates with them.
Storyboarding. Storyboarding is the process of creating a visual representation of an idea or concept in order to communicate it more clearly and effectively. It involves sketching out different scenes and ideas to create a narrative that can be conveyed through video, animation, or other media.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a News Segment Producer do?

A News Segment Producer is responsible for developing and producing news segments for broadcast. This involves researching topics, writing scripts, editing audio and video clips, and working with reporters and other staff members to ensure the segment meets the highest journalistic standards.

What qualifications are required to become a News Segment Producer?

Generally, a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is preferred. Additionally, experience in the news industry and a thorough understanding of broadcast journalism and production techniques are essential.

What are the working hours of a News Segment Producer?

News Segment Producers typically work full-time hours, although some may work part-time or on a freelance basis. Hours can vary depending on the production schedule and deadlines.

What are the salary expectations for a News Segment Producer?

According to PayScale, the median annual salary for a News Segment Producer is $49,764 as of April 2021. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills needed to be successful as a News Segment Producer?

Key skills for News Segment Producers include strong communication and writing abilities, excellent organizational and multitasking skills, attention to detail, familiarity with broadcast software and equipment, and the ability to work collaboratively with reporters and other staff members.