Production Assistant, The Whole Story

Warner Bros. Discovery is hiring a Production Assistant for The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, based in Atlanta, GA. This role sits inside CNN’s long form documentary unit, supporting the full production cycle of the network’s Sunday night newsmagazine from story development through post-production delivery. It’s a strong fit for an early-career news or documentary production professional who wants real hands-on experience across every stage of non-fiction television production.

About the Role

The Production Assistant for The Whole Story works directly with show producers and associate producers on long form documentary projects, and will also support the Fareed Zakaria Documentary team in New York. A typical day moves between heavy research, telephone reporting, asset management, and control room support, with the scope shifting based on where each project sits in the production timeline. This is a full-cycle role, meaning you will touch development, field coordination, scripting, and post-production workflow within the same job.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct deep research and telephone pre-interviews to support producers in developing long form documentary stories from inception through completion.
• Source and pull the best available video from CNN’s internal systems and third-party archive sources including Getty Images and the Associated Press.
• Manage all show transcriptions and maintain organized production assets across the Grid, SharePoint, and related content management systems.
• Coordinate with rights and clearances, the affiliate desk, and assignment desks to ensure video is properly acquired, used, and credited.
• Populate scripts with asset suggestions and provide editorial support to editors throughout the post-production process.
• Assist with weekly taped show production including control room duties, and step into breaking news specials as required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

What You Bring

• At least one year of experience in television, news, or digital production, with long form documentary experience preferred.
• Familiarity with broadcast databases including MediaSource, MIRA, and the CNN Library.
• Working knowledge of archive and licensing platforms such as Getty Images and Associated Press.
• Strong research skills and the ability to report by phone with minimal supervision.
• A bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field, or equivalent production experience.
• The composure to meet deadlines under pressure and adapt schedule as the news cycle demands.

Why This Role

Warner Bros. Discovery places this Production Assistant at the center of one of CNN’s flagship non-fiction programs, with direct access to experienced documentary producers and a production slate that regularly covers major national and international stories. The role also connects to a second documentary unit in New York, which broadens the professional network available to someone early in their career in episodic television and long form news production. For a PA looking to build credits across the full arc of documentary production, this is a substantive position at a major network.

Apply now for the Production Assistant role on The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper at Warner Bros. Discovery and bring your documentary production skills to one of CNN’s most recognized programs.