Freelance Sr. Writer/Producer
Interested in joining the team? The CBS News Streaming Network is seeking a New York-based FREELANCE SENIOR WRITER/PRODUCER to join its 24-hour coverage team.
The ideal candidate is proactive, creative and editorially rigorous. They will demonstrate a firm command of journalistic standards, a keen attention to detail, and excellent newsgathering and visual storytelling skills. They must also be calm and efficient during breaking news and, while based in New York, serve as a collaborative member of a global news organization.
All applicants will be reviewed and considered for current and near-future openings.
Key responsibilities:
Work closely with the executive producer & line producer in a fast-paced, demanding environment, handling breaking news and news-of-day demands for a 24-hour digital news channel
Write powerful, creative teases, headlines, opening package and readers for live programming
Research key stories and provide trusted information to anchor and executive producer
Fact-check stories, segment questions, graphics and lower-thirds
Work from the control room, listening in on anchor pretapes and show run-throughs, offering insight when anchor has a question about a script, fact or needs context
Communicate with anchor, executive producer, line producer and control room team ahead of and during live shows, exhibiting a calm and professional demeanor in high-pressure situations
See current stories and envision ways of telling them differently - through copy, graphics, video
Offer unique angles to current and new stories, such as history and legal context
Generate story ideas for future coverage
Offer constructive feedback to a team of writers, associate producers and digital associates
Serve as a mentor to junior writers, offering potential workshops
May also perform the responsibilities of content producers, producers, associate producers and digital associates, as needed
Skills and experience:
At least 6-8 years of experience producing and writing copy for a national broadcast, cable or streaming network, or equivalent local TV news experience in a major market
Line producing experience preferred
Experience in high-production news studios that have multiple camera angles, LED walls, interactive sets
Command of AP style and broadcast writing with impeccable grammar and spelling
Knowledge of CBS News style, voice and standards - or can easily adapt and learn CBS News style and standards
Strong communication skills and ability to train and advise associate producers, production assistants and junior staff in writing and editing broadcast copy
Deep understanding for editorial production, including control room experience, with strong writing and copy editing skills
Detail oriented with ability to work in fast-paced environment, deal with intense deadlines and continually react to breaking news with factual programming and creative storytelling
Broad knowledge of top stories driving the news cycle, including political news, and a knack for identifying lesser-known angles that resonate with audiences
Legal, finance or political background a plus
Key requirements:
Ability to multi-task and handle multiple assignments for regular programming as well as rolling breaking news coverage
Superior news judgment & critical thinking skills
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in journalism or related field
Fluency using ENPS is a plus
Deep understanding of news standards, rights and clearances and fact-checking practices
Must pass comprehensive CBS News Digital writing test
Must be available to work all shifts — early morning, dayside, nights, weekends and holidays — sometimes on short notice or as coverage, scheduling and news events warrant, as this is a 24-hour news organization
This position is based in New York and requires working in-person at the CBS Broadcast Center