Crooked believes that we need a better conversation about politics, culture, and the world around us—one that doesn’t just focus on what’s broken, but what we can do to fix it. We are a media network that showcases stories, voices, and opportunities for activism that inform, entertain, and inspire action, because it’s up to all of us to do our part to build a better world.

Job Summary: 

Crooked Media is looking a Los Angeles-based associate producer who would work with our daily news podcast What A Day. The ideal candidate must have a clear idea of the Crooked brand, a strong interest in news and politics, and experience booking talent and producing podcasts from soup to nuts. The candidate must work well with small groups and be flexible and hands-on throughout the production process. We’re looking for someone who relishes the daily news cycle and can maintain a sense of humor and optimism, even when it feels bleak out there.

Crooked has adopted a hybrid work model for our entire staff. We know each role has different needs, and for the Associate Producer, Daily News, this role will be primarily based on-site in our Los Angeles studios, working Sunday through Thursday with varied hours. We are ideally looking for Los Angeles based candidates, or candidates willing to relocate before the start date. In addition, Crooked requires all employees to provide proof of full vaccination and booster to combat the spread of Covid-19. 

This is a position covered under the Writers Guild of America, East, Collective Bargaining Agreement.

How You'll Spend Your Time:

Editorial and creative support of news podcasts and hosts

• Tracking news and newsmakers 
• Jump on breaking news
• Pitching creative story ideas and guests
• Pre-interviewing and booking experts for the show
• Looking ahead to prepare for major news events
• Developing briefing materials for interviews and episodes
• Working with hosts and producers on identifying and gathering elements to complete episodes (including audio and video assets)
• Providing notes and edits for final cuts to senior producer
• Working with hosts and senior producers to develop outlines and run of show documents for individual episodes 
• Participating in daily and weekly editorial meetings 
• Reporting out specific stories as assigned

Technical execution of podcasts 

• Working with studio manager/audio engineer on the sound and technical aspects of the show 
• Working with our production team to book studio time / arrange remote sessions
• Cutting and editing clips and sound elements that run within podcasts
• Uploading and scheduling episodes and ensuring delivery across listener platforms 
• Publishing episode pages and supporting the show’s presence on Crooked’s website. 
• Publishing newsletter on Crooked’s website

Operating as show steward to the rest of the company 

• Coordinating with video producers and social media teams to maximize audience for the show across all platforms
• Working with Sales team to ensure ad copy has been delivered to hosts and ads have been recorded
• Coordinating cross-departmental efforts to build and publicize the show and other shows on the Crooked network through video, social, design, business development, and marketing efforts
• Assisting in planning and execution of live events/recordings
• Contributing to other Crooked projects and properties as needed

What You’ll Bring To The Table:

• 2 years of experience in news, digital media, or politics. 
• Enthusiasm for daily news
• Exceptional research skills 
• Understanding of journalism and journalistic ethics
• A curious and collaborative approach
• Ability to juggle multiple projects at once and work under pressure
• Strong communication and organization skills
• A self-motivated, proactive, creative, accountable, and kind attitude
• Audio editing skills 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

This job description provides a summary of how you’ll spend your time but is nowhere near exhaustive, so other duties may be assigned over time. 

Pay and Perks: 

At Crooked, we believe in paying employees at or above market rates that are informed by salary surveys and industry benchmarks. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer full-time employees excellent benefits including:

• Competitive salaries 
• Paid healthcare
• 401k match 
• Generous vacation and paid leave including, sick leave, bereavement leave, pregnancy loss, and disability leave
• 20 weeks of paid parental leave
• Commuter reimbursement or paid parking
• Communications stipend
• Professional development opportunities
• Did we also mention our offices are closed at the end of the year?

When we open up a position, we conduct a market analysis to ensure we have the most up-to-date data. Once we’re ready to extend an offer, we look at the individual’s years of relevant experience and other compensable factors to determine a competitive offer. And for this role, the starting salary rate is $80,000.