Production

Producer Career Overview

Producers usually work in the radio or television industry. They are responsible for putting together the lineup of a show, ensuring that scripts are written, making sure talent is booked, and keeping the programs on track so that they run smoothly. An assistant or associate producer may act as a second hand to the producer and perform some of the lesser tasks for which the producer is responsible, such as writing and distributing scripts.

Producer Training & Education

Those who wish to pursue a career as a producer typically obtain a bachelor’s degree in communication, media studies, or broadcast journalism. Most traditional colleges and universities offer majors in one or more of these areas of study, and some universities specialize in journalism or media.

Performing an internship at a broadcast facility prior to seeking a job is key. An internship will help the job seeker gain hands-on knowledge which cannot be obtained from classroom experience. Students or recent graduates can look for assistance in finding internships from college advisers and professors, journalism job boards, and individual company and station websites. Contacting the human resource department of the facility you would like to intern at is another way to find an internship.

The producer of a television or radio program is expected to assemble the rundown of a show, and the exact duration and lineup of all content. The producer is usually responsible for booking talent, writing scripts, and coming up with new ideas for the content of a show. The producer will work with the director during a live or live-to-tape program in order to ensure that the timing is on track and help with any last minute changes that need to be made.

Individuals in this field may use the assistant or associate producer to help with these duties and delegate tasks accordingly. An assistant producer may be responsible for writing parts of scripts, making sure the scripts are distributed properly, gathering information, performing research to develop shows and content, keeping up with last minute changes, and assisting the producer accordingly.

Producer Career & Salary Outlook

The starting wage for an assistant or associate producer is typically low, especially in smaller markets. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for broadcast producers and directors in 2006 was about $49,000. The BLS predicts a nine percent increase in broadcasting jobs between 2006 and 2016. Still, competition for producer and assistant producer positions is expected to remain competitive due to the wide appeal of entertainment and journalism jobs. Further, the anticipated reduction of openings in radio as more stations conduct programming and transmission remotely will limit the number of opportunities available at local facilities.

Sources:

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: Broadcasting
O*Net Online: Producers
New York University: Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute