Newsdesk and Guest Producer

Job Title: Newsdesk and Guest Producer

Job Ref: NAGP-427

Closing Date: 25th May 2025

Summary

Newsgathering is at the heart of Volant’s news operation, managing the Newsdesk, our network of international correspondents, and the supporting infrastructure of bureaux, production partners, and support teams. It plans and oversees the provision of news and feature material across Volant’s linear and digital platforms, ensuring the highest standards of journalism from the field.

Reporting to the Senior Newsdesk and Guest Producer, you will play a key role in the newsgathering team. They act as a vital link between the newsroom’s output and external content sources, including correspondents, news agencies, and potential guests. A thorough understanding of live broadcasting, editorial policy, and media law is essential.

The Newsdesk and Guest Producer is also responsible for broadening the diversity of guest selection and regularly adding relevant, high-profile experts to the guest roster. They provide guidance to output teams, ensuring the most suitable speakers are selected to appear on-air.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Senior Newsdesk and Guest Producer and working closely with the Output team.
• Ensure all content requested by Output is sourced and delivered through relevant external channels.
• Arrange and confirm guests for bulletins and programmes, ensuring their availability within required timeframes.
• Liaise with editorial teams to gather guest requests and coordinate their participation.
• Communicate with guests to confirm their expertise on the selected topic and accommodate timing requirements
• Build and maintain comprehensive contact lists and databases to uphold a world-class roster of Farsi-speaking guests.
• Prepare briefs on guests and topics when required.
• Work closely with correspondents and producers to align content delivery with Output’s editorial needs.
• Liaise with the MCR and relevant technical operators to ensure that all outside content is delivered and fed according to Output’s plan.
• Coordinate closely with technical and editorial teams to ensure timely delivery of all content.
• Anticipate challenges and implement contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted output.
• Utilise tools and follow established workflows within Newsgathering.
• Use in-house software such as Dina and Mimir to support output teams.
• Coordinate between linear and digital output and Newsdesk to ensure the most effective and efficient use of Volant’s network of correspondents.

Requirements

• Extensive and up-to-date knowledge of Iranian, Afghan, and international affairs, with the ability to source original guests to enhance news coverage.
• Excellent contacts withinIran and Afghanistan diasporas across politics,culture, social issues, business and sport.
• Strong understanding of TV and digital storytelling techniques, as well as operational and administrative workflows.
• Full understanding of media law including defamation and copyright.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team.
• Comprehension of the need and capability to follow the workflows.
• Strong IT and keyboard skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent spoken and written Farsi and English.
• The ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Volant Media’s editorial policy and values.