Scriptwriter PRN

82006BR

Campus: Downtown Phoenix

Scriptwriter PRN

Job Description

Central Sound at Arizona PBS is dedicated to capturing classical and acoustic music performances of the highest professional caliber, taking special care to preserve the authenticity of the experience. As an award-winning premier provider of audio-media services, our audio production team, records Arizona’s music for the world to hear. We produce numerous programs for local and national broadcast, including those featured on the airwaves of KBAQ-FM (known as 89.5 KBACH), KNAU-FM, Classical Arizona PBS, the Classical Arizona PBS mobile app, as well as exceptional television audio, featured on Arizona PBS and beyond.

We are seeking an engaging yet personable scriptwriter and host to further develop our radio production “Arizona Encore”, as well as other radio and podcast productions that feature classical music and the arts.  This dynamic individual with knowledge and background in classical music should have an eagerness to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in classical music, including championing new works, alongside with traditional classical programming.
Arizona Encore,” showcases of classical music performances recorded live at venues throughout the state, airs every Tuesday at 7 p.m. on KBACH, the only radio station in Phoenix that plays classical music 24/7. It is also heard on the news/classical KNAU-FM in Flagstaff, and on Classical Arizona PBS/

This part time position will fall under the general supervision of the program producer(s) and the department manager.  This position will independently and collaboratively research, write, edit, and voice scripts for one-to-two hour broadcasts suitable for public (radio) broadcasting.

Sample materials may be requested. Links to examples of work in the application welcome.

Job Family

Broadcast Radio/TV

VP Code

VP/EXEC VICE PROV DPC

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

Depends on experience

Essential Duties

• Writes scripts based on cue sheets and provided audio materials that embody classical or similar music consistent with the external audiences to promote the school and its educational services.
• Researches artist information, composer biographies, and music within the classical repertoire through a multitude of forums and avenues.
• Listens to studio interviews or pre-concert lectures and decides which dialog to incorporate into scripts to support defined music, audiences, and content themes.
• Stays current with social media trends and issues to ensure that broadcast productions are contemporary and reach the desired audiences.
• Coordinates with supervisor to discuss themes and objectives for an assignment, the target audience, and desired outcomes to ensure that the assignment meets the communication goals of the institute/school.
• Provides feedback to the Producer, Audio Performance Program on script development process and participate in activities to improve proprietary technology, processes and protocols, as necessary and applicable.
• Voices segments in recording studios, using a home setup, and/or on location
• Requires some technical proficiency with recording voiceovers, especially if recording at home. Training will be provided. Some equipment may be provided.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Music, Communications or related field AND two (2) years of prior experience in writing scripts for public radio broadcast productions; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education form which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities has been achieved.  

Desired Qualifications

Evidence in having a solid foundation in program scriptwriting with experience in classical music and broadcast productions, specifically public radio.

Working Environment

• Voice recordings are conducted at the Central Sound studios on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus. Remote work is an option, provided that the applicant has an adequate quality at-home recording set-up.
• All materials for assignments are provided via e-mail, Google Drive and/or Dropbox. 
• All scripts are submitted via e-mail as a Word document. 
• Physical office hours not required. 
• Hours vary per week based on the needs of the department.  Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. 
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Department Statement

Central Sound at Arizona PBS is dedicated to capturing classical and acoustic music performances of the highest professional caliber, taking special care to preserve the authenticity of the experience. As an award-winning premier provider of audio-media services, Central Sound is committed to serving as a central hub for notable musical events in the community, bringing concerts of internationally acclaimed artists, local professional and emerging artists, as well as the next generation of young musicians to thousands of listeners. Striving for that quintessential sound, we produce numerous programs for local and national broadcast, including the airwaves of KBAQ-FM, Classical Arizona PBS, the Classical Arizona PBS mobile app, as well as exceptional television audio, featured on Arizona PBS and beyond.

Arizona PBS, one of the nation’s largest and leading public media organizations, delivers in-depth programming on news and public affairs, science, arts and culture, plus dedicated children’s programming, to 1.9 million households and 4.8 million people, reaching 80 percent of the homes in Arizona. On air, online and in the community, Arizona PBS brings its trusted brand of storytelling to Arizonans via four broadcast TV channels and its arizonapbs.org website. The station, which started in 1961, is operated by Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

About the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Cronkite School is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier professional journalism programs. Cronkite champions a “teaching hospital” model of journalism education in which students create professional content under the guidance of top professionals. Cronkite News, the student-powered, faculty-led news division of Arizona PBS with news bureaus in Phoenix, Washington and Los Angeles, produces a daily newscast for the station. Cronkite emphasizes programs that experiment with new forms of storytelling, audience engagement, digital interactivity, data visualization, audience analytics and revenue models.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

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Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.