Producer-in-Residence
About the job
- A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in journalism or a related field is required.
- Experience producing original journalism-oriented content for campus platforms is required.
- Strong social media skills focused on hard news are required.
- Produce content across streaming, digital, and social platforms.
- Innovate and pitch original story ideas.
- Collaborate and adapt in a fast-paced content creation environment.
- Prior internships or news media experience are preferred.
- Familiarity with ENPS, CUEZ, Edius, or similar programs is a plus.
About TEGNA
TEGNA Inc. 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 the largest and most successful producer development program in the country. PIR 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. social media and AI-powered systems — to deliver impactful journalism that meets audiences where they are. We’re hiring the top 70 journalism students graduating between December 2026 and June 2027 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 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. 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 a 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 21, 2027 (Jan.11, 2027 start date available for small group of selected 2026 grads)
- Onboarding, a weeklong, in-person producer 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:
- Produce content across streaming, digital and social platforms
- Innovate and pitch original story ideas
- Collaborate and adapt in a fast-paced content creation environment
Requirements:
- BA/BS in journalism or related field
- Experience producing original journalism-oriented content for campus platforms
- Strong social media skills focused on hard news
- Prior internships or news media experience preferred
- Familiarity with ENPS, CUEZ, Edius or similar programs is a plus
Benefits:
TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families. TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.
Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA’s 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.
Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor’s appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.
TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year.
* Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply. For example, some newsroom bargaining unit employees receive health and retirement benefits under plans administered by the union.
EEO statement:
TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you are in need of an accommodation in order to submit your application, please email [email protected]
Recruiting Fraud Alert:
To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are important to us. Only TEGNA Recruiters or Hiring Managers will reach out to you regarding consideration of your application or background. Communications with TEGNA employees will either come from a TEGNA email address with a domain of tegna.com or one of our affiliate station domains.
Recruiters or Hiring Managers will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information such as social security numbers.
Pay Range 20 - 24.04 USD
About the company
TEGNA provides local news and advertising services. It operates 64 TV stations across 51 U.S. markets and distributes content via web, mobile apps, streaming, and traditional TV. Each station offers live and on-demand news, weather, and sports through Roku and Amazon Fire TV apps. TEGNA produces trusted news content and civic stories, while supporting local businesses with advertising solutions across television, digital, and OTT through Premion. The company differentiates itself by owning top network affiliates in major markets, operating multicast networks (True Crime Network, Twist, Quest), and offering cross-platform local news and targeted advertising to reach local audiences. Its goal is to help communities thrive by delivering truthful reporting and providing sustainable, community-focused media services.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
McLean, Virginia
Founded
2017
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Seattle Kraken and Dallas Wings partnerships deepen TEGNA’s live-sports audience moat.
- June 16 promotion of Kurt Rao accelerates AI and digital-product consolidation.
- July 14 Scott Gill promotion strengthens station technology and sports operations across 64 stations.
What critics are saying
- Judge Troy Nunley’s April 17 injunction keeps Nexstar and TEGNA operationally separated.
- California AG Rob Bonta seeks to block the March 19 Nexstar-TEGNA acquisition entirely.
- If Nunley unwinds the deal, TEGNA loses integration synergies and current leadership structure.
What makes TEGNA unique
- TEGNA owns 64 local stations across 51 markets, plus hundreds of digital properties.
- Premion gives TEGNA a national CTV and OTT ad platform beyond broadcast.
- Brad Ramsey’s sports-rights team keeps locking exclusive local game inventory for stations.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Company Match
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Mental Health Support
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
Company News
Hearst Television hires TEGNA veteran Chris Plourde for distribution role. [email protected] October 19, 2026 Hearst Television has hired Chris Plourde, a longtime finance and strategy executive at TEGNA, as its new Vice President of Strategy & Distribution, the company announced. Plourde joins Hearst after spending 20 years at TEGNA, where he most recently served as Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis. He will report to John Robertson, Hearst Television's Senior Vice President of Strategy & Distribution. In his new position, Plourde will work on distribution strategy, technology partnerships and relationships with television networks and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs). His responsibilities will also include supporting the company's advanced advertising partnerships. "Finding a leader with Chris's depth of experience is a rare and exceptional opportunity," Michael J. Hayes, President of Hearst Television, said in a statement. "His arrival further strengthens what is, without question, the finest strategy and distribution team in the local television business, and positions us to lead Hearst Television boldly into its next generation." At TEGNA, Plourde worked on distribution strategy, corporate development and financial planning, including commercial negotiations involving television distribution agreements. His responsibilities included developing financial models to support distribution revenue forecasts, negotiations and new business ventures. He also oversaw financial strategy and analysis related to network affiliation agreements and other strategic partnerships. That experience will carry over to his new role at Hearst, where he will assist Robertson with the company's distribution relationships and commercial partnerships. "Chris brings an extraordinarily distinctive and wide-ranging breadth of experience, and we are fortunate to welcome him to the team," Robertson said. "His insight and perspective will be invaluable as we continue to build on our momentum and he will be instrumental in helping drive our relationships with networks and MVPDs, including our advanced advertising partnerships." Plourde joined TEGNA in 2006 after earning a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from George Mason University. Hearst Television operates local television stations across the United States and is a subsidiary of Hearst Corporation. Its strategy and distribution team oversees business relationships involving television networks, distribution platforms and other industry partners.
TEGNA names Tim Thomas to lead Atlanta & Macon stations. Oct 16, 2026 | TVN Staff Save this article for later! Login or create a Free Member Profile to bookmark it. Tim Thomas will oversee WXIA-WATL in Atlanta and WMAZ in Macon as TEGNA shifts Kristie Gonzales to a new ad sales role. TEGNA Inc. said Thursday that it has appointed Tim Thomas to lead WXIA, its NBC affiliate in Atlanta, along with sister station WATL and WMAZ, the CBS affiliate in Macon. Thomas will oversee station operations across platforms and drive results for advertisers. He currently serves as president and general manager of TEGNA Florida, where he leads the company's Tampa-St. Petersburg and Jacksonville operations. TEGNA said he has more than two decades of experience across broadcast, digital and station operations. Thomas succeeds Kristie Gonzales as president and general manager at WXIA-WATL and WMAZ. Gonzales has been named vice president of ad sales and will oversee sales teams in TEGNA's Northeast and Southeast regions. "Tim is a visionary leader who blends operational excellence with clear insight into what drives our future growth and success," Joan Barrett, group general manager for TEGNA's Northeast and Southeast regions, said. "We are confident he will bring that same passion, energy and proven track record to the Atlanta and Macon markets." "I was at WXIA earlier in my career, and I'm excited to return to continue the station's success across platforms," Thomas said. "I'm looking forward to working with the teams in Atlanta and Macon to create meaningful content and to develop new opportunities that will increase our impact for viewers and advertisers." Before his Florida role, Thomas was president and general manager of TEGNA's West Texas stations, KWES, KXVA and KIDY, where the company said he led all operations and increased broadcast share. Under his leadership, KWES received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in 2022. Thomas also previously served as station operations manager for WXIA-WATL in Atlanta, where he oversaw local on-air and digital programming and developed new business opportunities. The company described Thomas as an experienced media executive with leadership across broadcast, digital and station operations.
Tegna promotes four sales leaders to expanded roles. Oct 15, 2026 | TVN Staff Save this article for later! Login or create a Free Member Profile to bookmark it. Jay Donovan, Kristie Gonzales, Kari Jacobs and Byron Wilkinson get new sales leadership roles across the company's digital and ad sales teams. Tegna Inc. said today four sales executives are taking on new and expanded roles as the company looks to grow revenue across its local media brands. Jay Donovan was promoted to vice president of digital sales, where he will lead digital growth strategy across Tegna's more than 60 media brands. Donovan has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and advertising technology. Kristie Gonzales was named vice president of ad sales and will oversee teams in Tegna's Northeast and Southeast regions. Gonzales has more than 20 years of industry experience and is currently vice president of revenue at Tegna and president and general manager of WXIA, Tegna's NBC affiliate in Atlanta. Kari Jacobs was named vice president of ad sales for Tegna's Midwest and West regions. Jacobs began her career in journalism before moving into the revenue side of media. She has worked in broadcast television, radio, digital and cable and has been with Tegna for more than 20 years. Byron Wilkinson was named vice president of ad sales for Tegna's Texas and Mid-South regions. Wilkinson is president and general manager of KVUE, the company's ABC affiliate in Austin. He has more than 26 years of experience in broadcast and digital media. The company said Wilkinson has built teams and strategies that span local and national sales across linear, streaming and digital platforms. "Jay, Kristie, Kari and Byron have proven they know how to bring technology, sales expertise and creativity together to serve our clients," said Mark Cornetta, Tegna senior vice president of sales. "In an increasingly competitive environment, we need experienced leaders willing to rewrite the playbook for our local sales teams, and they're the right people to do it."
Tegna taps trio of regional group gms. Published 4 hours ago Joan Barrett, Kate Morris and Brad Ramsey to round out station group's leadership revamp TYSONS, Va. - Tegna has elevated veteran executives Joan Barrett, Kate Morris and Brad Ramsey to group general managers, tasked to lead its stations across six regions and rounding out the station group's new leadership structure. Barrett was named to oversee Tegna stations in its Northeast and Southeast regions. She had been president and general manager of WCNC Charlotte, N.C., since 2020, adding oversight for WFMY Greensboro, N.C., in 2024. Prior to joining Tegna, she was president and GM of KDVR-KWGN Denver and led Shurz Communications' stations in Wichita, Kan. She is a co-founder and longtime trainer for the Carole Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism, a nonprofit that trains newsroom leaders. Morris was appointed to oversee Tegna's Midwest and West regions. A 25-year local news veteran, she had been president and GM of KPNX Phoenix in 2020 and also oversaw KMSB and KTTU in Tuscon, Ariz. Prior to joining KPNX, known on-air as 12News, she was with KTVB Boise, Idaho, rising through the ranks from executive news director to president and GM and winning seven National Edward R. Murrow Awards, Tegna said. She serves on the boards of the Arizona Media Association and the Arizona State University Cronkite Endowment Board of Trustees. Ramsey will lead Tegna's Texas and Mid-South stations. Most recently a senior vice president of revenue who led the group's sports-rights strategy, he helped Tegna become the first broadcaster with full-season team rights across the NBA, WNBA, NHL and MLB. Before that, he was Tegna's senior VP of media operations. Ramsey was also senior VP and GM of WFAA Dallas-Fort Worth for seven years, earning 17 major national journalism awards over his tenure, including the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence and the NAB Service to America Award. He serves on the executive committee of the ABC affiliate board. The professional video industry's #1 source for news, trends and product and tech information. Sign up below.
TEGNA and Disney Entertainment Television renew ABC affiliation agreements in 13 markets. The multi-year deal covers stations across the U.S. October 13, 2026 10:00 ET | Source: TEGNA Inc. MCLEAN, Va. and BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - TEGNA Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST) and Disney Entertainment Television (NYSE: DIS) today announced that they have entered into a comprehensive, multi-year deal that renews station affiliation agreements for all of TEGNA's ABC-affiliated stations. "Our partnership with Disney Entertainment Television offers viewers an incredible programming lineup that includes the NFL, NBA, SEC football and shows like 'Dancing with the Stars' and 'Grey's Anatomy,' anchored by strong local news their communities depend on," said Patrick Paolini, CEO, TEGNA. "We're excited to extend this long-standing agreement." "We're pleased to extend our successful partnership with TEGNA across these outstanding ABC stations," said Susi D'Ambra-Coplan, SVP, Affiliate Relations, Disney Entertainment Television. "Together, we remain committed to serving viewers with trusted local journalism paired with the best in entertainment, sports and national news." The deal covers the following stations: KBMT in Beaumont, Texas; KIII in Corpus Christi, Texas; KVUE in Austin, Texas; KXTV in Sacramento, Calif.; WATN in Memphis, Tenn.; WFAA in Dallas, Texas; WHAS in Louisville, Ky.; WJXX in Jacksonville, Fla.; WNEP in Wilkes-Barre-Scranton, Pa.; WOI in Des Moines, Iowa; WQAD in Davenport, Iowa (Quad Cities); WVEC in Norfolk, Va.; and WZZM in Grand Rapids, Mich. About TEGNA TEGNA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), operating independently of Nexstar consistent with the Hold Separate Order issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California on April 17, 2026. TEGNA is a multiplatform media company operating 64 local television stations in 51 U.S. markets, and hundreds of websites, mobile and Connected TV (CTV) apps, and Premion, a leading Connected TV and Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising platform. ABC is the No. 1 entertainment network in Adults 18-49 and home to some of the most-watched series on television, including the longest-running primetime medical drama and global sensation, "Grey's Anatomy"; hit dramas "9-1-1," "High Potential" and "The Rookie"; four-time Emmy(R) Award-winning comedy "Abbott Elementary"; as well as unscripted juggernauts "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars"; and late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live," to name a few. The network is also home to the best and most prestigious live events, including "The GRAMMYS(R)," "The Oscars(R)," "The CMA Awards," "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest," as well as "The ESPYS" and ESPN on ABC with Monday Night Football, College Football and the NBA Finals. ABC News is the No. 1 network news brand, which includes the top-rated "World News Tonight with David Muir" and "Good Morning America." For TEGNA media inquiries, contact: Molly McMahon 703-873-6442 [email protected] For Disney Entertainment Television media inquiries, contact: Bridget Osterhaus 310-251-9579 [email protected]