PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (F/T) – WAND

Gray Media is hiring a full-time Production Assistant at WAND-TV in Decatur, Illinois. This role sits within the broadcast production department, supporting live newscasts and station content through hands-on operation of studio cameras, audio consoles, and graphics systems. It suits an early-career television professional who wants real floor experience in a working broadcast studio rather than a classroom setting.

About the Role

The Production Assistant at WAND works directly alongside directors and technical staff during live broadcast production, contributing to multiple newscasts across the weekly schedule. A typical day can include running studio cameras for a morning show, mixing audio for a live segment, and cutting syndicated promos in Adobe Premiere before the afternoon block. The schedule runs Monday through Friday at the manager’s discretion, with availability required for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate studio cameras and assist with floor directing during live newscasts and other broadcast production projects.
• Mix audio using the studio’s audio console, managing wireless microphones and IFB systems throughout live broadcasts.
• Prepare and trigger on-air graphics and lower thirds in coordination with the director and technical team.
• Edit syndicated promos and other content for air using Adobe Premiere as part of the station’s post-production workflow.
• Maintain the studio set and production environment, including cleaning floors and managing props between productions.
• Perform basic maintenance and operation of prompters, cameras, and other broadcast production equipment.

What You Bring

• Some prior experience in video production or a television studio environment is preferred, though not required.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Premiere for editing broadcast and promotional content.
• Comfort operating studio cameras and audio boards in a live television production setting.
• Ability to perform under the time pressure of live newscast production without compromising output quality.
• Strong communication skills and the flexibility to work non-standard hours across a broadcast schedule.

Why This Role

Gray Media is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations in the country, reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households across 117 markets, which means working at WAND puts you inside a genuinely scaled broadcast operation with real infrastructure. This Production Assistant position pays $18.00 per hour and comes with a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with matching, and paid parental leave. For someone early in a broadcast production career, the daily exposure to live studio production is a practical foundation that most entry-level roles don’t offer.

Apply now for the Production Assistant role at Gray Media and take your first step into professional broadcast production.