Newscast Director

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

Fox TV Stations

FOX Television Stations owns and operates 29 full power broadcast television stations in the U.S. These include stations located in 14 of the top 15 largest designated market areas, or DMAs, and duopolies in 11 DMAs, including the three largest DMAs (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago). Of these stations, 18 are affiliated with the FOX Network. In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations collectively produce approximately 1,200 hours of local news every week. These stations leverage viewer, distributor and advertiser demand for the FOX Network’s national content.

JOB DESCRIPTION

To direct news and studio production staff during live broadcasts of news, sports and local programming, to direct news production sessions; and to advise the News Managers on all matters relating to production techniques and standards.

DUTIES

• 80% Direct live broadcasts. Work closely with producers and other newsroom employees on rundown preparation, on-air production requirements, and implementation of new concepts/ideas as they pertain to the on-air look. Provide editorial input as it relates to spelling errors of chyrons, graphics, etc. Establish quality control and consistent look from the various technical operational positions.

• 10% Direct non-live PSA's, programs, commercial production sessions, and other pre-taped elements as required by the news department and other station departments.

• 5% Conduct pre or post-newscasts technical meetings to troubleshoot reoccurring problems, etc.

• Notify management or appropriate departments of any issues that need to be addressed. Follow-up on problems that can be easily remedied by the director.

• 5% Perform other related duties as assigned by the Assistant News Director or News Director.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Various broadcast production equipment (intercom systems, newsroom computer system, Sony ELC software coding system, etc.).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Primary work environment is in the newsroom and control rooms. Requires minimal physical activity: these functions are the equivalent of typing on a word processor for approximately 2 hours (spread out) over an 8 ½ hour day. In-house settings to include studio/control room settings with temperatures ranging from 55 degrees (studio) to 80 degrees. Humidity levels range from 10 to 70+ percent relative humidity. Occasionally, directors are requested to go on out-of-house shoots where working conditions typically involve a director directing an event from inside a production truck control room.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

Proven ability to exercise control over production/technical staff members during live programming. Knowledge of broadcast industry, particularly as it pertains to the production of local news programming. Ability to contribute ideas and execute same in regards to on-air appearance of all programs. Must understand technical terms and language used in control rooms, etc. Ability to adapt to a fast paced quickly changing technical environment and lead others through these changes in a clear and concise manner. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with peers and
superiors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A. Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field required.
B. Experience: Must have experience as a broadcast director, preferably in news {three to five years minimum preferred). Must have director reel of show production. Ancillary Training-Experience with Sony ELC preferred.