Planning Guest Producer

Job Title: Planning Guest Producer

Job Ref: PGP-431

Closing Date: 25th May 2025

Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and diversify Volant’s on-air contributor list. As Guest Producer, you’ll play a central role in planning impactful guest content and ensuring a broad range of perspectives are represented on screen.

Reporting to the Advanced Planning Editor and working closely with the Head of Planning, you’ll identify, brief and co-ordinate live and recorded guests — from high-profile public figures to fresh, under-represented voices — ensuring their contributions enrich our journalism and support our editorial objectives.

You must be motivated by the impact of your work and have the drive to consistently deliver thoughtful, well-matched contributors who elevate our output.

Responsibilities

• Proactively source and deliver high-quality, informed guests who align with Volant’s editorial objectives.
• Ensure contributors from various backgrounds and age groups participate in our output with well-informed and balanced viewpoints.
• Secure guests without offering appearance fees, clearly communicating the value of contributing to our output.
• Book and manage high-profile guests, ensuring smooth and professional communication at every stage.
• Prepare accurate and concise briefs on guests and discussion topics.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with contributors and potential guests.
• Ensure all on-air guests feel welcomed, well-briefed and supported throughout the process.
• Address any contributor concerns or complaints in a respectful and diplomatic manner.
• Collaborate with the production team, Head of Planning and Advanced Planning Editor to shape interview angles and discussion topics.
• Keep and maintain a well-organised database of guests/contributors.
• Understand the newsroom production process and the editorial value guests bring to structured well-crafted sequences.
• Coordinate closely with technical and editorial teams to ensure timely delivery of all content.
• Uphold high editorial and accuracy standards at all times.
• Carry out other duties as required.

Requirements

• A strong contact book and proven ability to identify, approach and assess contributors for suitability.
• Significant experience producing guest segments for live and recorded TV news.
• Excellent editorial judgement, with a clear understanding of balance, tone and audience needs.
• Solid understanding of media law, including defamation and copyright.
• Results-driven, with a clear track record of delivering impactful guests to air.
• Awareness of budgets and a commitment to cost-effective planning.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Strong research and organisational skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure, independently or as part of a team.
• Deep knowledge of — and strong contacts within — Iran, Afghanistan and their diasporas, including politics, culture, business, sport and social affairs.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities in Farsi and English.
• A collaborative, can-do attitude and the ability to support and motivate colleagues when needed.
• Commitment to Volant Media’s editorial policy and values.