News Audio Podcast Showrunner

This is a Freelance Job

Freelance News Audio Podcast Showrunner For Short Form Weekly News Podcast
Reports to Executive Producers Remote (US preferred)

Overview Lead Season One production for a fast-turnaround, weekly news audio podcast. You will manage the weekly editorial and production workflow from researcher brief handoff through taping and publication, ensuring each episode is shaped with strong judgment, clear structure, and journalistic integrity.

Term 7-month term total: 1 month leadup and 6 months of airing Season One includes 26 weekly episodes Start date TBD, likely March or April 2026

Responsibilities a) Manage the full weekly production workflow across research, scheduling, editorial shaping, approvals routing, and release execution

b) Review the weekly news brief (delivered by researcher on Wednesday AM ET) and make final editorial decisions on what topics will make it to air

c) Collaborate with the Producer/Editor to shape the run of show and episode script direction with quick turnaround

d) Send selected items and structured guidance to hosts for copy adjustments. You will remain the last line of defense and maintain final editorial sign-off before taping

e) Manage recording schedules for Wednesday evening sessions (ET) with two hosts and the Producer/Editor

f) Oversee post-production handoff with the Producer/Editor and ensure transcripts are routed to select third-party stakeholders for review and approvals by 6:00 a.m. ET Thursdays

g) By 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday, lock the edit and confirm to hosts and EPs that the episode is exported, uploaded, and scheduled to release Verify the episode publishes as scheduled Friday mornings (tentatively 6:00 a.m. ET, subject to change)

h) Directly manage the Producer/Editor and Researcher to keep workflow tight and deadlines met

i) Notify the team of status, risks, and any needed decisions via email throughout the weekly cycle

Requirements

Experience producing or leading production teams on industry-niche podcasts (especially short form) with fast turnaround and strong editorial judgment

Working knowledge of the medical and healthcare landscape, including familiarity with clinical terminology and standards for responsible health communication

Demonstrated ability to evaluate whether content is factually safe to air, and to hold the line on accuracy under deadline

Strong run-of-show instincts and the ability to shape a clear, listener-friendly narrative arc from a news brief

Comfort collaborating directly with talent and senior production stakeholders

Highly reliable responsiveness during Wednesday through Friday production windows

Independent self-management and proactive communication

Senior producer background is acceptable; candidates must provide relevant work examples

Preferred Experience working on niche news-driven or journalistic audio formats Experience managing approvals workflows involving third-party review stakeholders Comfort operating in a recurring weekly cadence with shifting news priorities