26 News Producer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our News Producer interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. What is your experience leading a team?
How to Answer
A good response to this question would be discussing previous experience working on a team and particularly instances where that person has been leading others. A hiring manager is looking for a producer who is able to keep the show and others around them running smoothly, even when approaching deadline or when part of the show falls through. A good response has the potential producer explain that they can juggle their own work while also helping others finish theirs.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I consider myself a natural leader, and am capable of helping others edit their stories while I am trying to work on my own. A team leader is someone who is always willing to help and problem-solve, and I believe I am a quick problem solver, which makes me an efficient worker."
Written by Christina Erne
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2. How will your producing improve the quality of our television station?
How to Answer
The candidate should respond by discussing their work ethic, their work product, and any other factors that makes them a productive part of the team. They should tell the hiring manager any plans or general ideas they may have to making the newscast a strong one, and perhaps any traits that set them apart from other candidates.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I look forward to using my contacts I already have in the area in the police department and the hospital to help us get information before any other station."
Written by Christina Erne
3. Why is a job in this city/state/community the right fit for you?
How to Answer
The candidate should highlight reasons why the city or state of the job where they are applying is a good location for them. The location may be good because of family and friends in the area, the weather, the news, or other factors that draw that person to want to move there. A hiring manager is looking for a producer who cares about the people and the place where they produce, and they are looking for a producer to answer this question by discussing why they want to work in that specific areas and make a difference in that community.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I believe that Orlando is the perfect city for me to work because I went to college in this area. I know the types of people around here, and I even have some family here as well. I have many contacts in the area and want to use them to help find good stories."
Written by Christina Erne
4. If you could start your career over again, what route would you take?
How to Answer
The candidate may bring up other interests they have in their life, and possibly a different path they considered taking, but ultimately mention why they chose to become a producer. They should give the hiring manager some insight into other passions they have in life, and other qualities within their personality that make them special. They should ultimately come back to why they chose producing and why they believe this was the right choice.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I once thought about being a teacher because I work well with children, make them laugh, but also do well explaining difficult topics to them so they can understand. Although I did not find teaching a good fit, my ability to write clearly for all ages helps me be the best producer possible."
Written by Christina Erne
5. What is your experience with making quick decisions?
How to Answer
The candidate should bring up examples of them working well with making a quick and important decision, either in other producing jobs or in other aspects of life. They should discuss how their ability to work quickly and think on their feet will help the whole team function well together.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In one of my previous shows, we had two different breaking news stories at once, with only one reporting team. I made the quick decision to send the reporter to the plane crash instead of the fire because more people were potentially injured and it was in a more heavily populated area. I am able to react quickly to these types of questions so we can send the reporter on the road quickly."
Written by Christina Erne
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6. What types of changes can you make to scripts to improve the quality of a newscast?
How to Answer
The candidate should discuss with the hiring manager what skills they possess and can add to improving the quality of the show or making it run efficiently. They may talk about their writing skills, ability to work under pressure, their ability to make quick decisions and communicate with others, or their ability to figure out the best stories to cover for the day. They may also discuss working with other producers and helping each other edit along the way.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I am a concise writer with great grammar skills, and rarely make large mistakes that would embarrass our station. I also am good at spotting mistakes in other's works. Finally, I am creative, so I am constantly finding new ways to make the story sound updated and improved."
Written by Christina Erne
7. Why is producing the best career path for you?
How to Answer
A good response is for the candidate to highlight their strengths and why they are so fit for being a producer. They may mention why other careers are not a good fit for them based on the skills they have that are tailored to being a producer.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I knew producing was the best career for me because I love to write all day long. I knew a job that was constantly changing would be the perfect fit for me."
Written by Christina Erne
8. What is your favorite part of watching the news?
How to Answer
The candidate should explain why they chose a career in news, rather than writing for another type of job. The candidate should consider that the news industry is one that is fast-paced, visual, and constantly changing. The candidate can respond with examples of their favorite reasons to watch news, and the types of ways they try to attract others to want to watch, as well.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"My favorite part about watching the news is they always sum up stories quickly and clearly for the viewers. Many people do not have much time to watch the news and want a snapshot of what happened that day. When I come into work as a producer, I try to make my writing as clear and concise as possible so it would be the type of news I would want to watch."
Written by Christina Erne
9. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The candidate should bring up a realistic range of salaries they hope to make, based on previous salaries in past similar careers and other factors, including moving costs. News producers typically make between $25,000-50,000, depending on the market size. Remember that promotions and bonuses are all possible a few years after performing good work.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"Since I was making somewhere around $30,000 at my last producing job, I think I have gained much experience there to where I am really worth $35,000 at this station. I have improved significantly since I took that job two years ago and will make a large impact at your station."
Written by Christina Erne
10. How do you decide what stories are most important to cover?
How to Answer
The candidate can answer by discussing their process of figuring out which stories should be at the top of the newscast, and which ones can follow later in the show. A good producer always know that the most pertinent breaking news stories should always lead the show, and stories of lesser impact or urgency should follow later in the show. While each producer has their own method of filling a newscast or a show, they should be able to tell the hiring manager that they will ultimately choose to send a reporter to the most hard-hitting and visually appealing news story of the day.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"When making the decision of what stories are most important to cover, I make sure that any hard-hitting and breaking news is always covered with video in some capacity. Any other news, whether it be less visual such as politics, or human interest soft stories, can then follow in order of urgency and timing."
Written by Christina Erne
11. What part of producing are your most nervous about?
How to Answer
The candidate should respond by mentioning something they may be nervous about within the producing job, yet find a way to make the fear ultimately something positive. They should find a small aspect of the job that may be overwhelming or scary at first, but something they know in the end they will be able to remedy. A good response by a producer will be one that shows the person can see themselves in the position already and are fully prepared to take on whatever comes at them.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I am most nervous about deciding what story to send a reporter two if there are multiple stories worth covering. However, I have a very good sense of the most important types of stories to cover and what the public will most want to hear about, and I know after I go through this process a few times, I will feel more comfortable making these types of decisions."
Written by Christina Erne
12. What is your favorite part about being a news producer?
How to Answer
The candidate should discuss one or two specific parts of the job that drives them to go into work each day. These parts of the job should be motivating factors that show the person is passionate about the work they want to do.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
" My favorite part about being a producer is the rush of adrenaline when there is breaking news an hour before the show. I am crunched for time, but excited to share the news as quickly and accurately as possible."
Written by Christina Erne
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13. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
How to Answer
The candidate should answer by telling the interviewer how they think the job will shape the course of the next few years of their life. They should discuss ways in which their skills will develop and evolve after spending years in this job position, and how other experienced members of the current team will help them grow. They should also mention a near-future goal they may have, but ultimately remain positive about how the current job would help them become a better producer.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In five years from now, I see myself as a producer, perhaps still at this station, or perhaps in a larger market, where I manage a whole team of producers. I will share all of the knowledge I have about this job with them and help them be better producers like my mentors here will have helped me."
Written by Christina Erne
14. Why did you decide to become a producer?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know why the candidate wants this job position. The candidate should explain why they are passionate about producing and mention the skills they have that will make them a successful producer. A good response shows that the candidate would improve the quality of news produced by the station and has a good understanding of all the responsibilities of the job description.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"Writing has always been my passion, and in college a professor recommended I look into writing for the news, because I love working under pressure and staying up to date with current news stories and events. I interned with a local television station and quickly realized that my writing skills would fit perfectly in the career, and I have never looked back since that day."
Written by Christina Erne
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15. How would you describe your organizational skills?
How to Answer
Organization is an important skill for a producer to have, since they are responsible for juggling multiple stories at a time, as well as keeping track of the work they must finish before showtime. The candidate should demonstrate that they are well suited to juggle multiple tasks at once on a tight deadline, and keep track of future events and stories.
Not only is a hiring manager looking for a producer who manages their time well, but also can organize a show in terms of the flow of stories that follow one another. A producer knows the most fluent way for a show format to run, based on topics in that day's newscast or show, and organizing the order in which they follow is a talent that a hiring manager looks for.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I believe that I am a very organized person. I make sure that every time I come into work, I organize my show into breaking news at the top, commercials at the end, and leave room for all of the stories that may pop up throughout the day in between. That way, I can see what time I have left to fill a show."
Written by Christina Erne
16. What is your experience with social media?
How to Answer
As the news industry becomes more focused on social media platforms, it becomes increasingly more important for anyone who works in news to use social media as a news gathering tool, and also a way to reach viewers quicker than ever before. A producer should discuss their previous experience using any and all social media platforms, as well as the ones where they find they have the most success reaching viewers and staying informed within the community. The goal is to have the hiring manager believe that the candidate is savvy on the internet and can reach a wide audience to have the latest stories.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I work well with nearly every social media platform, and I especially enjoy Twitter and Facebook as ways to find the most up-to-date and breaking news. However, I have recently begun using Facebook Live to share video, and I find that I increase the number of viewers at my old station by discussing the stories we will be showing in our evening newscasts."
Written by Christina Erne
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17. What are your career aspirations after this job?
How to Answer
The candidate should respond to this question by referencing how taking the current job would help them achieve a goal or dream in the future. The candidate should remain positive and excited about the current job for which they are applying, while also appearing to aim high in the future. The interviewer wants to know that the candidate is willing to work their hardest and look to improve constantly throughout the course of their contract.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In the future, I hope to become a producer for a national news network. In the meantime, I know this current job will help me develop my skills to become the best producer I can be."
Written by Christina Erne
18. How do you find new story ideas?
How to Answer
A producer is expected to find good stories to fill their newscasts. A good response to this question touches on a few ways the candidate plans to learn about the stories that matter in the community, including meeting with local representatives, politicians, and school board members, talking to locals in coffee shops, and reading up on continuous issues that face the area. A candidate should demonstrate their extensive knowledge of finding good stories and their interest in finding new content.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"Each weekend, I go to some of the most popular local spots in the community, like cafes, bowling alleys and movie theaters. I listen to what people are talking about, so at the beginning of each week, I can compile a list of trending topics that locals are interested in."
Written by Christina Erne
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19. How do you work under stress?
How to Answer
Being a news producer means being able to produce a clean show on television, even if technological glitches happen, reporters make mistakes, or breaking news occurs. A good producer is able to work through any and every problem under time restraints. A good response to this question would be to answer honestly about a person's capacity to work well under a constantly changing environment, and provide examples of how they have been able to do it in the past.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I feel I work my best under pressure when I am forced to work extremely hard in a short amount of time. Once, my television station had to break the news of a plane crash during the 5 o'clock newscast, and I wrote the script to put at the top of the show after the first break, and our station was praised for being the first to report it."
Written by Christina Erne
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20. What is your familiarity with this television market?
How to Answer
The candidate should demonstrate their knowledge about the area where the television station is located. They must know a little bit about the geography, politics, current events, and demographics of the area. This shows that they can write good stories that the locals will understand and want to watch.
The candidate should bring up what they know about the area and how their knowledge of it will help them produce a good show in that area.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"While I am not originally from Florida, I know that many older people over 55 years old watch the news primarily, so I will be more aware of stories that their age group will care about. I also know that weather is important to the viewers because hurricane season can be deadly. My knowledge of Florida so far will help me get a good jump start when I begin the job."
Written by Christina Erne
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21. What time of the day do you work best?
How to Answer
News is a nearly 24-hour industry that requires people who work well at different times of the day. Candidates should discuss with the interviewer what time of day they work best, such as early mornings, late evenings, or during the daytime. This helps the interviewer determine if the candidate is a good fit for the open position. The candidate should be honest about the time of day they work best during, but also should be flexible and make themselves willing to work whenever they are needed. A good news producer has strong writing and producing skills that they can use any time of day, and the candidate should articulate this.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"While I work best in the early mornings because I naturally wake up early and do my best work before 7:00 am, I am willing to work late nights, and perhaps I will find that I also enjoy working with the faster pace of evening news."
Written by Christina Erne
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22. What interests in your life have lead you down the path to becoming a producer?
How to Answer
The candidate should answer the question by explaining why they want to be a producer based on other interests they have. They should give examples of their other qualities that make them a good producer. They may also talk about previous jobs they have had, even outside the field of news or producing, and how these previous jobs, careers, or decisions in life have lead them to news producing.
Whether the candidate discusses successes of their past or failures, they should always end positively, with how events of their professional life have lead them down the road to find the career of producing.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"When I was younger, I always loved fiction books. I read a lot of books and eventually tried writing my own. I thought that someday I would be an author, but as I got older, I realized that I was also interested in politics and current events. I decided to become a producer because I knew my writing skills would help me succeed, while also writing about topics I care about."
Written by Christina Erne
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23. What is your experience with the latest news formatting software?
How to Answer
Producers use computer programs to format their shows. The interviewer wants to know the candidate's experience formatting shows in various formatting programs, in the hopes that they will find a candidate who does not require much training. Even if the candidate does not have experience, they must prove that they are able to learn computer programs and various technologies quickly in order to perform the job.
The candidate should explain their prior work in formatting and how they expect their prior experience will help them succeed in the new job.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In the past, I have worked with the formatting program iNews. Although I know different television stations use different formatting programs, I am confident that I can adapt to any program, and my writing will shine through once I learn how to use it."
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24. What is your experience with editing video?
How to Answer
A producer is expected to know how to edit video to add to their show. The interviewer is looking for a candidate who can answer this question by referencing their editing experience.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"In the past, I have edited with iMovie, Avid and Edius. I know how important it is to be able to edit video quickly to add to my shows, and I am confident I can work fast to do so."
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25. What types of shows are your favorite to produce?
How to Answer
News programs are full of various types of content, from breaking news, to feature stories, to half-hour or hour-long talkshows. All of these programs need producers writing the content, planning the graphics and video to use alongside the script and anchors, and the order that the show will follow.
A candidate should discuss with the interviewer their strengths and what types of shows they most enjoy working on. They should explain why this type of show is their favorite to write and format. The candidate should also mention other types of shows and how they could adapt to other types of writing and formatting styles, as well. The candidate should show flexibility, but also highlight their best work through the answer of this question.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"My favorite shows are ones with breaking news or severe weather. I enjoy writing under pressure, and I enjoy having a very full show with lots of live reporters to fill the time and add excitement to the show. That way, we always have something new and exciting once we come back from a commercial break. However, I also could work on the local cooking show, because I enjoy writing about food and I enjoy having a little more time to write creative content."
Written by Christina Erne
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26. Why do you think this job is a good fit?
How to Answer
The candidate should prove to the interviewer that they know all responsibilities of being a news producer, and how their past experience has taught them how to do all of these things well. They should mention how their skill sets will make them a good addition to the team. They can mention parts of their personality that make them a good producer, such as being a team player and working well under pressure, or could mention how their knowledge of the city or state will help them find stories that are meaningful to the people that live there.
This is also an opportunity for the interviewer to see if the candidate matches up with the job opening and if they will be a good fit given the position that is open. The candidate should be honest about their skills and be confident in what they think they can add to a newscast.
Written by Christina Erne
Answer Example
"I believe this job is a good fit for me because I grew up around this area, so I know the stories that people around here will want to know about most. Also, I am a quick and clear writer, and know how to produce interesting content for anchors to read. My sense of humor will help me find stories that viewers will find enjoyable and funny."
Written by Christina Erne
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