KABC Freelance Directors

Disney is hiring KABC Freelance Directors at ABC7 Los Angeles, based in Glendale, CA. This role sits in live broadcast production, where directors call the show in real time across newscasts, breaking news coverage, and live local productions on television, digital, and streaming platforms. It suits an experienced broadcast director who has called live news in a major market and can own the control room solo.

About the Role

KABC Freelance Directors work within the broadcast production department at one of the top-rated ABC owned stations in the country, directing live newscasts from a single-operator control room environment using Ross Overdrive. A typical day means running the board on your own, managing robotic cameras, graphics, audio, and talent blocking simultaneously while staying sharp enough to pivot the moment breaking news hits.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct live newscasts in a single-operator control room, calling all technical elements from camera cuts to graphics and audio adjustments in real time.
• Code and monitor camera blocking and robotic camera movement throughout the broadcast using Ross Overdrive and Ross Artimo systems.
• Stage manage newscasts and live productions as assigned, coordinating talent placement and rundown flow across departments.
• Monitor audio levels and make mix adjustments during live broadcast, including microphone placement for news talent and guests.
• Apply strong breaking news judgment to restructure newscasts on the fly when major stories develop mid-show.
• Operate within the DALET newsroom computer system, maintaining awareness of rundown changes and coordinating with producers and editors throughout the broadcast day.

What You Bring

• Minimum of 10 years directing live newscasts in a major market, with a track record in high-pressure, single-operator live broadcast production.
• Hands-on experience with Ross Overdrive as a single-operator director in a live news environment.
• Working knowledge of robotic camera systems, with preferred familiarity with Ross Artimo and XPression Graphics.
• DGA membership, as this position falls under the DGA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Availability to cover overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts, with the understanding that weekly hours and schedules are not guaranteed.

Why This Role

ABC7 Los Angeles consistently ranks among the top local news stations in the country, and Disney’s owned station group gives directors access to production infrastructure and a broadcast footprint that few local news roles can match. The pay rate for this role in Glendale, California is $73.38 to $98.00 per hour, following the DGA Collective Bargaining Agreement scale. Select benefits including medical and financial coverage may be available depending on position level.

Apply now for the KABC Freelance Directors role at Disney and bring your live broadcast production experience to one of the most prominent local news operations in the country.