Freelance Production Assistant – Paramount

NEWS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Position Overview
This entry-level role provides essential clerical and technical support to the news production team. Freelance Production Assistants operate the teleprompter during live newscasts, manage and organize archival materials, and assist with daily newsroom communications. Successful candidates show drive, curiosity, and enthusiasm for journalism and local news while upholding high standards of professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Operate teleprompter and assist technical staff during live or recorded broadcasts
• Locate, catalogue, and retrieve file video and archival material
• Answer phones, relay information, and handle general office tasks
• Run newsroom errands and assist with set logistics as needed

Cross-Training Opportunities
Cross-training and advancement opportunities may be available for freelance Production Assistants who excel but are not guaranteed parts of this position.  Our goal is to help freelance Production Assistants expand their skills and grow into other newsroom roles through cross-training. Those who consistently demonstrate drive, initiative, and enthusiasm will be considered for advancement opportunities as they develop professionally.

• Writing news copy for broadcast and digital platforms
• Managing and creating posts for social media accounts
• Editing video and audio for broadcast
• Operating technical production equipment
• Supporting the Assignment Desk: story research, pitching, and newsroom coordination

Desired Qualities

• Demonstrated enthusiasm, initiative, and excitement for new opportunities
• Strong curiosity about news, journalism, and broadcast media
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently or as part of a motivated team
• Willingness to work flexible hours – including mornings, nights, and weekends
• Reliability, punctuality, and professionalism are essential

CBS News and Stations, brings together the power of CBS News, 28 owned television stations in 17 major U.S. markets, the CBS News Streaming Network, CBS News Streaming local platforms, local websites and cbsnews.com, under one umbrella. CBS News and Stations is home to the nation’s #1 news program 60 MINUTES, the CBS News Streaming Network, the first 24/7 digital streaming news network, the award-winning broadcasts CBS MORNINGS, CBS SATURDAY MORNING, the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH NORAH O’DONNELL, CBS SUNDAY MORNING, CBS WEEKEND EVENING NEWS, 48 HOURS and FACE THE NATION WITH MARGARET BRENNAN. CBS News and Stations provides news and information for the CBS Television Network,  CBSNews.com, CBS News Radio and podcasts, Paramount +, all digital platforms, and the CBS News Streaming Network, the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service that is available free to everyone with access to the internet. The CBS News Streaming Network is the destination for breaking news, live events, original reporting and storytelling, and programs from CBS News and Stations’ top anchors and correspondents working locally, nationally and around the globe. CBS News’ streaming services, across national and local, amassed more than 1.01 billion streams in 2021. Launched in November 2014 as CBSN, the CBS News Streaming Network is available on 30 digital platforms and apps, as well as CBSNews.com and Paramount+. The service is available live in 91 countries. CBS News and Stations is dedicated to providing the highest quality journalism under standards it pioneered and continues to set in today’s digital age. CBS News earns more prestigious journalism awards than any other broadcast news division.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hiring Salary Range: $18.67 – 18.67.

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.  The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable,  as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement.