Queenstown, Otago | Remote

Programming & Production (Advertising, Arts & Media)

35 hours + per week

The Opportunity:

Want to work with a team making a real difference in New Zealand?  At Reality Check Radio, we cover the issues the mainstream media won't and challenge the voices they don’t. We believe in providing the full story so our audience can discern fact from fiction. 

We are looking for an Assistant Producer for our flagship Breakfast show, hosted by Paul Brennan. You will join the RCR team based in Queenstown (or you have the option to work remotely). 

As Assistant Producer, you will be a newshound with the ability to work under pressure, spot important stories, and quickly generate appropriate interviews. We seek a journalist who can identify stories and issues important to a wide range of everyday Kiwis, bridging the left/right political divide with a balanced approach to partisan issues and a commitment to telling ‘both sides’ of the story.

At RCR we value a strong news sense, ensuring that stories and angles not covered by legacy media find a home on our airwaves. We aim to expand the breadth and quality of public discourse and encourage an understanding of different perspectives, all while remaining committed to the truth. Join us in this mission as our Assistant Producer in the Breakfast team.

This is an initial 6-month contract with the potential to extend to a longer contract.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide editorial and administrative support for the flagship Breakfast show.
• Generate ideas and book guests for a daily three-hour show (weekdays) covering a wide range of news stories, light-hearted content, and topical interviews.
• Manage between 4 and 6 interviews per day, varying in length from 5-10 minutes to 45 minutes.
• Liaise with contributors for regular weekly slots to plan content and schedule rotations.
• Act as the primary communication point between the Breakfast Show Host, Admins, News Editors, Audio Engineers/Editors, and RCR Management.
• Take overall responsibility for programming and scheduling the Breakfast Show on a daily basis in collaboration with Management.
• Manage ideas for content/news, facilitate daily debriefs, and schedule programming meetings.
• Serve as the main conduit for urgent “live info” communicated to the Host during the show.

About You:

• Strong news sense.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
• Ability to spot important stories quickly and generate appropriate interviews.
• Commitment to balanced reporting and telling ‘both sides' of the story.
• Strong grip on stories and issues relevant to the RCR audience.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

The Ideal Candidate Will Preferably Have:

• Familiarity with radio production and newsroom operations.
• Extensive experience in journalism or a similar role, demonstrating strong editorial judgment and storytelling skills.
• In-depth knowledge of political and social issues in New Zealand, with the ability to identify relevant and compelling stories for a diverse audience.
• Experience in mentoring or supervising junior staff, providing guidance and support to help them develop their skills and capabilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive remuneration and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunity to work with an extremely passionate and dynamic team.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Be part of a movement making a significant impact on New Zealand’s media landscape.

About Us

Reality Check Radio is your go-to forum for news that matters, rational discussion, open-minded debate, and objective analysis. We're NZ's media organisation pivotal in shifting the national discussion to critical subjects, educating the public and holding politicians and decision-makers to account.