Producer-In-Residence - TEGNA

Nov 14

Written By Valenti School of Communication

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: