Production Assistant – Part-Time

Tribune Media is hiring a part-time Production Assistant at its dual-station broadcast facility in Rockford, Illinois, home to WTVO Channel 17 and WQRF FOX 39. This role sits inside the production department, where the work centers on keeping live television news broadcasts on air, operating studio cameras and audio equipment in real time. It suits someone early in their broadcast television career who wants hands-on experience across the technical side of live news production.

About the Role

The Production Assistant works directly within the broadcast studio under the Creative Services Director, supporting daily live news programming across two stations. A typical shift involves preparing the studio before air, running cameras during live broadcasts, and managing audio board operation when the show is live. At roughly 20 hours per week, the schedule can include weekends and holidays, which is standard for broadcast news production.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate studio cameras during live broadcast television news programming across WTVO and WQRF.
• Run the audio board during live broadcasts, managing levels and sources in real time.
• Maintain the studio environment to ensure it meets broadcast-ready standards before each show.
• Respond to direction from the Creative Services Director throughout the production workflow.
• Support the broader production team with assigned duties as broadcast schedules require.
• Adapt quickly to shifting rundowns and technical demands that are common in live news television production.

What You Bring

• A high school diploma is required for this position.
• No prior production experience is required, making this a genuine entry-level broadcast role.
• Strong listening skills are essential, particularly for taking real-time direction during live air.
• The ability to learn technical equipment and production procedures quickly on the job.
• Availability for variable scheduling, including weekends and holidays as needed by the broadcast calendar.

Why This Role

Tribune Media operates two stations out of the same facility, which means a Production Assistant here gets exposure to multi-channel broadcast television production from day one. Compensation is $15.00 per hour at approximately 20 hours per week, with real reps on live studio camera and audio board operation that most entry-level candidates don’t get this early. For anyone targeting a long-term career in broadcast or episodic television production, the hands-on technical volume here is hard to match at this level.

Apply now for the Production Assistant position at Tribune Media and get your start in broadcast television production in Rockford, Illinois.