Segment Producer - Weekend AM

The Weekend AM Segment Producer at KTLA is responsible for conceptualizing, booking, writing, and producing weekly live news segments that range from hard news topics to fun community events. This role requires strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive relationships with guests, publicists, and clients while also adapting to the fast-changing news environment. Additionally, this producer is expected to manage social media postings post-air and can be involved in producing creative in-studio and field segments.

To be a successful Weekend AM Segment Producer at KTLA, candidates should have strong writing and editing skills, excellent communication abilities, and capabilities to work under tight deadlines. A college degree or equivalent experience is preferred along with a minimum of three years of experience producing newscasts in a commercial television setting, specifically in medium to large markets. Familiarity with Adobe Premiere and ENPS is also advantageous.

Interpersonal skills are crucial for a Weekend AM Segment Producer at KTLA because this role involves direct interaction with outside guests and clients. Maintaining positive relationships with publicists and PR teams directly influences the quality and variety of segments produced. Furthermore, effective communication is necessary during high-pressure situations common in news production.

The Weekend AM Segment Producer at KTLA plays an active role in managing the show’s social media presence by posting segments on ktla.com after they air and ensuring the social media platforms like Instagram, X, Threads, Bluesky, and TikTok are updated regularly. This responsibility not only promotes the segments but also engages the audience and drives viewership.

As a Weekend AM Segment Producer at KTLA, there are numerous creative opportunities, such as developing unique in-studio segments and producing engaging feature pieces in the field. The role demands innovation, especially when breaking news occurs, as producers must adapt their strategies on-the-go while ensuring content remains exciting and relevant.

When developing a segment idea for the Weekend AM show, I focus on the interests of our audience and current events. I start with brainstorming sessions, looking at trending topics and community interests. Collaboration with the team is vital, where I gather feedback and refine ideas before presenting the best ones in production meetings.

Handling tight deadlines requires prioritization and effective time management. I break segments down into manageable tasks, making sure to set clear milestones. Communication is key, so I keep an open line with team members to delegate tasks when necessary, ensuring we stay on track and produce quality content on time.

Maintaining guest relationships involves consistent communication and follow-ups. I ensure guests feel valued by thanking them for their participation, providing them updates on air dates, and engaging with them on social media. Creating a friendly and professional rapport enhances trust and encourages them to return for future segments.

In a previous position, we had to pivot quickly when breaking news occurred on a planned segment day. I prioritized updating the script to include relevant news details while ensuring that all guests were informed of the changes. This adaptability maintained our show's integrity and audience engagement amidst rapid developments.

Social media platforms are crucial in bringing segments to a broader audience. I integrate social media into the production strategy by designing shareable content that highlights segment teasers, behind-the-scenes looks, or post-show discussions. This interaction not only promotes the show but also enhances viewer engagement and feedback.

To ensure accuracy, I implement a strict fact-checking process during the writing phase, consulting reliable sources before finalizing any content. I also encourage input from colleagues for additional oversight. This approach maintains the journalistic integrity of segments and builds audience trust.

I am experienced with Adobe Premiere for video editing and ENPS for managing scripts and cues. Familiarity with these tools allows me to efficiently create polished segments that meet broadcast standards while streamlining the production process.

To inject creativity into live in-studio segments, I brainstorm innovative formats or themes that resonate with our viewers. I also experiment with visual storytelling, engaging graphics, and interactive elements to enhance the viewing experience and keep audiences captivated throughout the segment.

My motivation to work weekends as a Segment Producer stems from my passion for journalism and the excitement of creating content that informs and entertains. Weekend news is vital for our audience, and I relish the challenge of producing high-quality segments that maintain our station's reputation while meeting viewer needs.

Staying updated on current events is essential for a Segment Producer, and I achieve this by regularly reviewing news sources, following relevant social media, and subscribing to industry newsletters. I often engage with colleagues to discuss upcoming stories to ensure our segments reflect the latest developments and audience interests.