Senior Producer for award‑winning afternoon show

About the role

Newstalk is seeking an experienced Senior Producer to lead the daily production of its multi‑award‑winning afternoon programme, The Hard Shoulder, broadcast from 4 pm to 7 pm. The role combines editorial leadership with hands‑on studio coordination to deliver compelling news, analysis and conversation for a national audience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end production, including editorial planning, running orders, presenter briefings and guest preparation.
• Set and deliver the editorial vision, shaping stories, angles and conversations that resonate with the Newstalk audience.
• Forward‑plan the editorial calendar, anticipating news developments, cultural moments and cross‑station opportunities.
• Generate, develop and commission original radio ideas, interviews, features and on‑air exclusives.
• Use audience insight and listening trends to inform story selection, guest choices and format decisions.
• Manage, coach and develop researchers, reporters and contributors, ensuring accuracy and creativity under pressure.
• Produce live in‑studio, adapting pacing, tone and content in response to breaking news and technical issues.
• Book high‑quality, diverse guests and prepare clear briefing material for presenters.

Required profile

• Proven experience producing radio programmes, preferably in a news or current‑affairs environment.
• Strong editorial judgement and deep knowledge of current affairs.
• Ability to lead and develop a high‑performing production team.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across production, newsroom, digital and commercial teams.

Required skills

• Editorial planning and running‑order management.
• Live studio production and coordination.
• Research, verification and scriptwriting to high editorial standards.
• Guest booking and briefing preparation.