Newscast Director
Nexstar Media Group · DC-Washington · $26–$31/hr (stated in the posting)
DC News Now, a rapidly expanding Nexstar station in the Washington, D.C. market, is seeking a Director with extensive OverDrive experience to lead live newscasts and other productions. This is a hands-on technical role requiring precision, leadership, and adaptability in a fast-paced newsroom environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct live and recorded newscasts using Ross OverDrive, ensuring seamless execution of rundowns.
- Code, organize and execute newscasts and specials using ENPS based rundowns.
- Build and customize OverDrive coding for news productions, working closely with producers and technical staff to enhance automation efficiency.
- Collaborate with news, production, and engineering teams to ensure smooth operations and troubleshoot technical issues.
- Call and punch live broadcasts, special coverage, and breaking news while maintaining high production standards.
- Lead pre-production efforts, including coding, shot blocking, automation setup, and equipment checks.
- Ensure clean transitions between segments, graphics, and live elements by effectively managing production automation programs.
- Elevate production value by enhancing camera shot composition, OverDrive operations and workflow integrations.
- Adapt to last-minute changes and breaking news, making quick decisions under pressure.
- General knowledge of studio lighting, Streamdeck, OBS, TVU, Optic, Chyron, Bit Central, and Cue-Script a plus
Qualifications:
- Advanced camera shot framing and composition skills.
- 5+ years of experience as a Director in a live news environment, preferably at a major-market station.
- Expert-level proficiency with Ross OverDrive automation and strong ability to build, edit, and refine show coding.
- Experience with Ross XPression graphics, and other production switchers is a plus.
- Strong technical troubleshooting skills and the ability to work with engineering teams to resolve production issues.
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities, with a proven track record of working effectively in a collaborative newsroom environment.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as news coverage demands.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. We value the contribution of our employees and recognize their efforts by offering a competitive compensation plan $26-$31 hourly. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(K), and more.
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