We do not accept unsolicited resumes. They will not be reviewed or kept on file. We review all resumes for positions in which we are seeking candidates and keep them on file for at least one year.

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UpFront Producer

ABOUT KPFA

KPFA is the world’s first listener-supported radio station, and the flagship of the Pacifica Network. Our radio signals cover one-third the state of California, broadcasting a mix of music, news, public affairs, and cultural programs — most of it locally-produced by a large community of staff and volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY:

UpFront is a mostly-live morning public affairs show that delivers a mix of local, state, and international coverage through engaging interviews, civil debates, breaking updates, and in-depth discussions with authors. We broadcast Monday to Friday from 7 to 8 am on 94.1 FM and at kpfa.org. This producer will have primary responsibility for setting up most days’ shows, with help from the show’s host and interns. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

  • Identify topics for interview segments and potential interviewees, with an emphasis on new voices and perspectives
  • Participate in daily editorial meetings
  • Pre-interview, book, and confirm technical details for program guests
  • Compose run sheets for each day’s program
  • Post show descriptions in WordPress CMS and social media accounts

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Research and prepare for interviews, including preparing scripts/intros, questions, and transitions (the show’s host will do most prep on their own)
  • Edit recorded interviews for length and clarity 
  • Train and supervise interns
  • Help produce fund drive specials 
  • Occasional field recording and/or reporting

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • News Judgment: familiarity with current events, ability to identify topics worth covering and how best to approach them. We are particularly interested in candidates who will expand our breadth of coverage by bringing their own background knowledge and community contacts to editorial discussions.
  • Writing and communication skills: ability to communicate quickly and clearly with guests, engineers, hosts and interns while working remotely
  • Research: ability to quickly assemble background information on interview topics and check facts.
  • Preparation: ability to write clean segment introductions, prepare interview questions, anticipate responses, and prepare follow-ups.
  • Audio Editing: ability to edit recorded interviews quickly and seamlessly to hit target lengths. Basic multi-track mixing (i.e., creating music beds for carts and billboards)
  • Social Media: experience using social platforms to increase reach and audience engagement.
  • Grace under pressure: this mostly-live program is produced under deadline pressure. We expect mistakes and breakdowns, and try to learn from them. We also expect members of our team to keep a cool head and kind demeanor when they happen.
  • Effective interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to think creatively and proactively solve problems
  • Teaching / mentoring: KPFA is committed to the ongoing training and development of its staff and volunteers. As you get more skills and experience from working here, you’ll be expected to help others learn, too.

COMPENSATION:

This 40 hour/week non-exempt position is unionized with the Communications Workers of America Local 9415. Current wage is $26.12/hour with annual seniority increases. Generous benefits to commence after a 90-day probation period, including 100% company paid full-family medical and dental, up to 4% employer match 403(b) retirement, 2% employer only contribution 403(b) pension, seniority-based vacation pay starting at three weeks in the first year. Paid parental leave and childcare allowance.

LOCATION:

This position is currently remote, because of the COVID pandemic. If we return to hybrid or in-person work, it will be at KPFA’s studios in Downtown Berkeley.

HOURS and SCHEDULE:

  • Work hours are somewhat flexible, but most work for this position happens between 9 and 5 on weekdays. 
  • Occasionally, complex live broadcasts may require support from the producer starting as early as 6:45am. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resumé, and two samples of audio work. Please email applications to [email protected]

The deadline to apply is EOD on Monday, November 14th, 2022. 

KPFA is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.

July 2014 LSB Meeting Records

  [Approved] KPFA Local Station Board Regular in-person meeting July 12, 2014 11am-4pm North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA map Present: Craig Alderson, Mal Burnstein, Brian Edwards-Tiekert, Paula Erkkila, José Luis Fuentes*, David Gans, Mark Hernandez, Cynthia Johnson, Janet Kobren, David Landau, Joy Moore, Lewis Sawyer, Franklin Sterling, Ramsés Teón-Nichols*, Carole Travis, … Continued


June 2014 LSB Meeting Records

[Approved] KPFA Local Station Board Regular in-person meeting June 14, 2014 11am-4pm North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA map Note: An audio archive of this meeting is available at www.kpftx.org/archive.php Present: Craig Alderson, Paula Erkkila, José Luis Fuentes, David Gans, Donald Goldmacher*, Kate Gowen, Mark Hernandez*, Janet Kobren, Jack Kurzweil, Joy Moore, … Continued


December 2013 LSB Meeting Records

[Approved] KPFA Local Station Board Regular in-person meeting, December 14, 2013, 11am-4pm North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA Note: An audio archive of this meeting is available at www.kpftx.org/archive.php Present: Craig Alderson, Brian Edwards-Tiekert, José Luis Fuentes, David Gans, Donald Goldmacher, Matthew Hallinan, Mark Hernandez*, Janet Kobren, Jack Kurzweil, Andrea Prichett, Mel … Continued


March 2013 LSB Meeting Records

[Approved] KPFA Local Station Board Regular in-person meeting, March 9, 2013, 11am-4pm North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA Note: An audio archive of this meeting is available at www.kpftx.org/archive.php Present: Shahram Aghamir*, Craig Alderson, Mal Burnstein, Brian Edwards-Tiekert, David Gans, Donald Goldmacher,  Matthew Hallinan, Cynthia Johnson, Janet Kobren, Jack Kurzweil, Joy Moore, … Continued


May 2012 LSB Meeting Records

[Approved] KPFA 2011 Local Station Board Regular in-person meeting, May 5, 2012, 11am-4pm North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA Note: An audio archive of this meeting is available at www.kpftx.org/archive.php Present: Shahram Aghamir*, Pamela Drake*, Anthony Fest, Sasha Futran, Donald Goldmacher, Conn Hallinan, Matthew Hallinan, Cynthia Johnson*, Janet Kobren, Jack Kurzweil, Henry … Continued


May 2011 LSB Meeting Records

[APPROVED] KPFA 2011 Local Station Board Regular in-person meeting, May 21, 2011, 11am-4pm North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley Note: An audio archive of this meeting is available at www.kpftx.org/archive.php Present: Shahram Aghamir*, Mal Burnstein, Pamela Drake, Anthony Fest, Sasha Futran, Suzi Goldmacher, Conn Hallinan, Matthew Hallinan, Cynthia Johnson, Hyun-Mi Kim*, Henry Norr, … Continued


April 2011 LSB Meeting Records

[APPROVED] KPFA 2011 Local Station Board Regular in-person meeting, April 16, 2011, 11am-4pm Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland Note: An audio archive of this meeting is available at www.kpftx.org/archive.php Present: Shahram Aghamir*, Mal Burnstein, Pamela Drake, Anthony Fest, Sasha Futran*, David Gans, Suzi Goldmacher, Conn Hallinan, Matthew Hallinan, Cynthia Johnson*, Jack Kurzweil*, Henry Norr*, Andrea Prichett, Laura Prives, Tracy Rosenberg, … Continued


March 2011 LSB Meeting Records

[APPROVED] KPFA 2011 Local Station Board Regular in-person meeting, March 19, 2011, 11am-4pm Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave. Note: An audio archive of this meeting is available at www.kpftx.org/archive.php Present: Shahram Aghamir, Mal Burnstein, Pamela Drake, Anthony Fest, Sasha Futran, Suzi Goldmacher, Conn Hallinan, Matthew Hallinan, Cynthia Johnson, Hyun-Mi Kim, Jack Kurzweil, … Continued