Traffic and Programming Coordinator, WPBS

Overview: The Traffic and Programming Coordinator is the key role operationalizing the scheduling and traffic functions of WPBS’ four television stations. The position is responsible for building monthly schedules, managing broadcast logs and placing programming and break content including program promos, underwriting acknowledgements, station IDs and announcements. Curates program content on multiple digital video platforms including YouTube, the WPBS mobile app and online video player. Troubleshoot problems and implement changes and updates, sometimes on very short notice. Ensure accurate and comprehensive information is communicated to Master Control, listings services and internal colleagues and external stakeholders.

Reports to: President & General Manager

Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000

Primary Responsibilities:

• Create broadcast schedule for WPBS-TV, drawing content from program distributor sources including PBS, APT, NETA, BBC and others, and keeping abreast of new offers/releases. Research and recommend program selections for thematic “blocks” and dayparts, and for special events and “theme months”.
• Enter entire schedule in Protrack software database on a monthly basis. Provide monthly program schedule to marketing for publishing in viewer guides, including locating missing program information/descriptions, and proofread before publication.
• Generate and manage broadcast logs for WPBS and subchannels, checking for accuracy and completeness, adjust where necessary and locate and add any missing content if applicable. Liaise with Centralcast (outsourced joint Master Control) to ensure accurate, up-to-date information is provided and necessary changes are made in a timely manner.
• Research and confirm necessary program information including rights, available releases, special requests for pre-releases, etc. Create new program offers in Protrack for programs not already entered into Protrack. Upload local programs to Centralcast (joint master control).
• Ensure accurate broadcast schedule and information, entering program timing, lengths, and descriptions in database on a daily basis. Update program changes, whether from PBS or WPBS continually as they happen and coordinate with traffic if late change and logs generated (so doesn’t disrupt underwriting placement.)
• Download subchannel schedules: WPBS-2 -Create; WPBS -3 – World; WPBS-4 – PBS Kids
• Develop schedules for membership (“pledge”) drives including determining required taped breaks and premiums.
• Coordinate receipt of underwriting spots, promotional messages and other content with Production and Community Support/Corporate Sponsorship departments. Input “flight” scheduling information into the Protrack database to ensure spots run when planned and forward the spots to Centralcast.
• Schedule program “breaks” to include promotional messages, underwriting spots, station IDs and other events in accordance with break structure best practices, station policies and underwriting sales contracts. Create on-air nightly lineup each month and schedule. Obtain promos from various sources, download and input information into Protrack so they can be scheduled.
• Prepare quarterly FCC Issues/Programs Report, quarterly reports for Community Advisory Board, annual SABS reports and other reports as required.
• Acquire special programming from other sources and ensure that accurate program information is available.
• Curate, categorize and publish programming content on online platforms including PBS Passport, the PBS Video App, YouTube and WPBS Mobile App.
• Perform minor modifications (shortening, inserts) to program content when required.
• Respond to viewer enquiries, questions and complaints.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum of two years of Traffic experience in public or commercial television, using Protrack and/or other broadcast management software (e.g. Wide Orbit) in day-to-day performance of duties

College or university degree in a related discipline (e.g. I.T., media & communications, mathematics)

Knowledge and understanding of television broadcast operations and outsourced Master Control Operations

Knowledge of and understanding of CMS (Content Management Systems) used to support online video and streaming

Superior organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and strong work ethic

Familiarity with public media mandate and programming

EOE Statement:

WPBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Disability Accommodation Statement:

WPBS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures.