This supervisory role is central to our mission to be the trusted source of local information that empowers and connects our community.

From local government and education to cultural events and community milestones, the News Producer helps shape the coverage that reflects the heart of our city. The ideal candidate will bring editorial judgment, strong leadership, and a passion for local journalism to guide a small but mighty news team.

The producer should have solid storytelling skills, be able to supervise and mentor young reporters, and have an eye for detail and proofreading.

Key Responsibilities

• Story Planning & Assignment: Lead daily and long-term planning of news coverage, identifying stories that inform, connect, and reflect the Naperville community.
• Newsroom Leadership: Manage and support the news team, ensuring clear priorities, efficient scheduling, and timely delivery of stories.
  • Breaking news – be able to guide the team in a breaking news situation from live reporting to webpost updates.
• Reporting & Storytelling: Contribute original reporting, including writing and producing news stories, daily email blast, press releases, and occasionally appearing on camera as needed.
• Editorial Oversight: Review and refine scripts and story structure to ensure accuracy, fairness, clarity, and adherence to journalistic standards.
• Digital Publishing: Prepare and publish content for NCTV17.org, ensuring timeliness, clarity, and accuracy under daily deadlines.
• Production Quality: Oversee the quality of visual and audio content, providing guidance on editing and production best practices.
• Deadline & Performance Management: Ensure content meets tight publishing deadlines while using analytics to track story performance, evaluate reach, and support monthly engagement goals.
• Community Engagement: Foster strong connections with local schools, cultural organizations, nonprofits, and government partners to inform coverage and build trust.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or Broadcast Media
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in news as either a reporter or producer for a network affiliate
• Proficient in writing and storytelling
• Proficient in video editing, camera operation, and live reporting
• Solid proofreading skills and knowledge of AP style
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership in a newsroom setting
• Valid Illinois Class D driver’s license

Compensation

• Salary ($60,000 – $65,000 based on experience)
• Health insurance
• PTO
• Simple IRA

Local candidates are preferred. No relocation funds are available.

Apply

Interested parties should submit a resume, cover letter, and demo link to: work@nctv17.org. Please put the job title in the subject line. NO phone calls.

NCTV17 provides an equal employment opportunity and a harassment-free work environment. All employment and compensation with NCTV17 is “at will,” which means employment can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either NCTV17 or yourself, except as otherwise provided by law.