What are the responsibilities and job description for the Producer-in-Residence position at TEGNA Inc.?
About TEGNA
TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news.
TEGNA's Producer-in-Residence (PIR) program is redefining what it means to be a journalist in a live streaming age. Far from a legacy media role, today's producers are cutting-edge storytellers, using innovative tools — including streaming and AI-powered systems — to deliver impactful journalism that meets audiences where they are. We're hiring the top 50 journalism students graduating between December 2025 and June 2026 to join our award-winning team.
Who We're Looking For:
- Strong writers passionate about impactful, ethical journalism in a multiplatform world
- News junkies with sharp editorial judgment
- Innovators ready to harness emerging tools like AI and streaming systems while upholding journalism values
- Courageous candidates who embrace change and use tech to elevate — not diminish — our reporting
- Future newsroom leaders eager to grow; several former PIRs have already been promoted to management roles
- Journalists active in campus media, especially TV or streaming
- Candidates who thrive under pressure and want to deliver trustworthy live coverage
This Program is Not For:
- On-camera reporters (look for "Multi-Skilled Journalist" roles instead)
- Field-only journalists — this is a newsroom-based role
- Aspiring filmmakers, marketers, influencers, or activists
- Anyone not committed to objective, ethical journalism that presents all sides of a story
Why This Role Matters:
Producing isn't yesterday's job. It's the newsroom's most future-focused role. At TEGNA, producers drive how stories come alive on streaming, digital, and social platforms — powered by the latest tools and gadgets. It's a cutting-edge position at the center of innovation and community impact.
The Process:
We receive hundreds of applications and select a small group for interviews and timed writing assessments. Top candidates are matched with a newsroom in one of 40 TEGNA markets.
What to Expect:
- Full-time, two-year contract (not an internship or fellowship)
- Start date: June 22, 2026 (some earlier dates available)
- Onboarding, a weeklong bootcamp with top TEGNA journalists, and hands-on newsroom training
- Ongoing support from mentors and monthly training sessions
- Career path toward promotion into permanent producer or management roles (80% of PIRs are promoted)
Key Responsibilities:
- Produce content across streaming, digital and social platforms
- Innovate and pitch original story ideas
- Collaborate and adapt in a fast-paced content creation environment
Requirements:
- BA/BS in journalism or related field
- Experience producing original journalism-oriented content for campus platforms
- Strong social media skills focused on hard news
- Prior internships or news media experience preferred
- Familiarity with ENPS, CUEZ, Edius or similar programs is a plus
Benefits:
TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families. TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.
Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA's 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.
Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor's appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.
TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year.
- Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply. For example, some newsroom bargaining unit employees receive health and retirement benefits under plans administered by the union.
EEO statement:
TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you are in need of an accommodation in order to submit your application, please email askhr@tegna.com
Recruiting Fraud Alert:
To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are important to us. Only TEGNA Recruiters or Hiring Managers will reach out to you regarding consideration of your application or background. Communications with TEGNA employees will either come from a TEGNA email address with a domain of tegna.com or one of our affiliate station domains.
Recruiters or Hiring Managers will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information such as social security numbers.
